The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) welcomes the measures recently announced by His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa to minimise the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which includes closure of schools, restriction on travel and subsequent closure of businesses. This should not discourage members of the public from donating lifesaving blood as we tackle this global health pandemic as a nation.

As an essential service within South Africa, the SANBS therefore appeals to donors from all blood groups to continue donating blood to prevent blood stocks running critically low.

All donor centres will remain open with adjusted operating hours to accommodate social distancing measures. Shopping mall donor centres remain accessible, and mobile drives will be set up at large grocery stores. Appointments can be made directly with your nearest donor centre to avoid queuing at the donor centre.

The SANBS has taken precautionary measures to ensure that our donors are protected. We are assessing donors at all entry points to our facilities and mobile sites. We have also equipped all sites with additional antiseptic sprays and alcohol-based wipes.

Our trained healthcare practitioners operating in the field have been equipped with the necessary information to identify symptoms that may indicate COVID-19 infection, and should a donor not be feeling well, or exhibit any flu-like symptoms or signs of infection, they will not be permitted access our facilities,” said Dr Jackie Thomson, SANBS Medical Director.

Additionally, as precautionary measures and to ensure the safety of blood and blood products during this time, the following deferrals remain in effect:

•        people who have travelled to affected countries outside of South Africa will be deferred for 28 days,

•        people with confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection will be deferred for 28 days from the date of complete clearance of symptoms, and

•        People who have been in close contact with confirmed or probable Coronavirus cases will be deferred for 28 days from the last date of contact.

During this difficult time let us head the call of our President: “In the days, weeks and months ahead, our resolve, our resourcefulness and our unity as a nation will be tested as never before. I call upon all of us, one and all, to play our part. To be courageous, to be patient and above all, to show compassion.”

We can all play our part to save a life by donating blood. 

Please donate blood at our donor centres and Shopping centres near you.

River Square and Vaalgate Donor Centre

Monday to Friday: 09:00–17:00

Saturday: 09:00–14:00

For any queries please contact Shivanie Lutchman on 082 419 1466.