ERIN – Several mobile clinics have been cancelled in Wellington County, but officials with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) are reminding local residents it’s still important for them to donate blood.
The need for blood continues, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and permanent donor centres are still operating and taking precautions to ensure donor and staff safety, states an April 9 CBS press release.
The release notes the blood donation event on May 4 at the Erin Legion has been cancelled and donors who had booked an appointment in Erin will be contacted.
CBS has also cancelled an April 30 donor centre at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus.
Donor relations territory manager Elaine St. Pierre said some venues are not able to meet physical distancing requirements and limited staffing can result in rescheduled or cancelled events.
“We are doing all that we can to continue the smooth and predictable operation of our collections events – ultimately leading to less time to donate – while maintaining the highest quality and safety standards,” she stated.
CBS has decided to expand hours “for the next while” at its permanent Guelph donor centre at 130 Silvercreek Parkway North.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CBS officials have enhanced cleaning/sanitization and improved wellness stations and physical distancing measures. They also have moved to an appointment-only format “to minimize the number of people inside our facilities and pre-screen all who come through our doors,” officials stated.
Those interested in donating blood can call 1-888-236-6283 or visit www.blood.ca to confirm available clinics. The website includes a COVID-19 and blood donation section (blood.ca/en/covid19).
