Bloodworks Northwest concerned fears of coronavirus will harm blood supply

SEATTLE — Bloodworks Northwest is telling potential donors that it’s safe to donate blood as the number of coronavirus cases in Washington continues to rise.

As of Monday night, at least 48 people in Washington have died of coronavirus.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced a temporary statewide order to shut down restaurants, bars, entertainment and recreational facilities statewide due to the coronavirus.

Bloodworks officials said they are concerned that as fears of coronavirus rise, low donor participation will harm the blood supply.

“We can’t allow what’s happening to blood inventories in other countries affected by COVID-19, where they’re seeing sharp declines in donation, to happened here,” Bloodworks President and CEO Curt Bailey said in a news release.

Officials said there have been no reported cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus.

"A sudden drop in the blood supply will have consequences and put surgeries and patients at risk. If you're healthy and haven't donated recently -- or you're a first time donor -- please make an appointment this week and plan to be a regular donor so the blood supply is always strong," Bailey said.

A total of 1,000 donations are needed every day to keep the community’s blood supply at a stable level, officials said.

Bloodworks said its policies and procedures have been developed to “assure compliance with FDA, CDC, and other application recommendations related to COVID-19.”

Click here for more information about who can donate and where.

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