MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

A PERFECT Excuse to go for a Walk or Drive During Lockdown

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AND You may also save more than one life in the process

In response to an SMS plea from the South African National Blood Service this morning I took a walk to their premises next to Provincial Hospital in order to ‘tap a pint’!

As luck would have it I was unable to donate blood today – see the video for the reason why:

https://youtu.be/DveuxNJ5nq8

As per the official government list of Critical Services during lockdown, point 5 under Health states: “Blood transfusion services including the collection, processing, testing, and distribution of blood” may continue.

SANBS have extended blood donor centre operating hours and have arranged various mobile blood drives alongside shopping centres and stores that will be operating during the lockdown period.

The SANBS have implemented an Appointment System during this time where we are contacting donors to request specific appointments to donate blood. Once confirmed, SANBS will send you an SMS message, confirming the date, time and venue of your blood donation, which you can present to authorities when stopped.

In addition to the normal acceptance criteria (like I found out earlier!) of blood donors, the SANBS encourage donors NOT to donate blood if they have:

  • travelled to affected countries outside of South Africa (21 day deferral),
  • people with confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection (28 day deferral from the date of complete clearance of symptoms)
  • and people who have been in close contact with confirmed or probable Coronavirus cases (21 day deferral) from the last date of contact.

The SANBS has taken precautionary measures to ensure that the people who utilise the blood donor facilities are protected by equipping all sites with additional antiseptic sprays and alcohol-based wipes.

COVID19 cannot be transmitted through a blood transfusion.

Take a walk (if the SANBS is close enough) and do something for your community during lockdown.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.