Vitalant wants Coloradans to know it's safe to donate blood during the latest coronavirus outbreak. Nevertheless, they say donors who have visited mainland China, South Korea, Iran or Italy in the past 28 days are not to donate.
They also advise those who may have been exposed to coronavirus to postpone donation. However, the need for blood donors has not changed.
"Hospitals will be highly challenged if infections with COVID-19 increase," Dr. Ralph Vassallo, chief medical & scientific officer at Vitalant, said.
"The last thing we want them to think about is getting enough blood for patients with injuries and cancer,” he added. “That’s why we're asking healthy people to step up now and donate blood to help ensure they are always available for a safe supply of blood."
Officials say the virus can be spread by blood transfusions is highly improbable.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the exchange of cash can contribute to the spread of the novel coronavirus from one person to others.
WHO added that the virus could stay in money for several days after being exposed to a virus holder, advising people to avoid touching their faces after handling money.
“Money is constantly changing in hands and it can pick up all kinds of bacteria, viruses,” a WHO representative said, adding “We advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes and avoid touching their faces.”
In a statement to the Business Insider, a WHO representative said people should “wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer after handling money, especially before eating.”
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