Canadian Blood Services is continuing blood donation clinics during the COVID-19 outbreak, but they are taking many new precautions to ensure the safety of staff and donors.
Territory Manager of Donor Relations Stephanie Wilkinson said a donation event scheduled for next week in Goderich will go ahead.
"The donation event is scheduled for next Wednesday, March 25 at the Goderich Knights of Columbus Hall from 12:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. What we are asking people to do, those that have already booked an appointment, we're asking those who have done so to honour that."
Wilkinson said walk-ins will no longer be accepted. This will allow staff to safely manage traffic in buildings and handle appointments in a timely fashion while keeping themselves and donors safe. Cleaning and sanitary measures have been greatly increased. Wilkinson notes people can book times for their local donor events in a number of ways.
"I would encourage folks to go to blood.ca and look for available times there," said Wilkinson. "They can also call us at 1-888-2-DONATE or use our app called GIVE BLOOD which people can use, as well, to book themselves a time."
While current inventory levels are good, with the exception of O-negative blood types, Wilkinson said blood donations are deemed an important health component that must keep operating.
"We're deemed an essential service, so as things continue to move along, we're definitely being given access to different things as required to make sure we're continuing our operations as best as possible," she said.
Monthly events will continue to be held, including in Goderich. Stay up to date with scheduled events on blood.ca.