Blood collection paused
Photo: The Canadian Press
Canadian Blood Services has suspended samplings at its Kelowna permanent location and surrounding mobile events due to exposure to COVID-19.
The collection break runs through at least March 1 to allow staff to run tests and get results.
The agency says it was made aware by public health that a person who attended collection events in the Kelowna area recently tested positive for the coronavirus. Interior Health has assessed the risk of exposure to others as low and donors who have donated at certain events have been notified.
However, in order to contain transmission of the virus, the local medical health officer has recommended selected employees to carry out a COVID-19 test as a precaution.
“As we operate a national system, inventory will not be impacted and Canadian Blood Services will continue to deliver blood products to local hospitals for patients in need during this shutdown,” the agency said in a statement to Castanet.
“Canadian Blood Services has an integrated process with the public health service to manage positive cases of COVID-19 to ensure that those who may be exposed are informed quickly and that additional precautions can be taken if necessary.”
The agency says it has put robust pandemic-related security measures in place at all facilities and gathering events across Canada, including mandatory masks, extra PPE, improved cleaning, wellness checkpoints, and physical distancing.
“Canadian Blood Services thanks donors for helping to ensure that cancer patients, trauma victims, and those who depend on the essential products and services we provide to hospital patients continue to receive them through these troubled times.”
Donors with appointments at donor centers in the Kelowna area are encouraged to rebook appointments using the GiveBlood app, visit Blood.ca, or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888-236-6283).
