Hma-Qubec sees surge in blood donations after premier's appeal

The provincial blood collection agency, Hma-Qubec, hopesthe sharp increase in blood donations it receivedMondayfollowing Premier Franois Legault's appeal toQuebecerswill set the stage forthe coming weeks and months.

During the government's daily COVID-19 update Monday, Legault said donating bloodwas the best way citizens could help, as the government tries to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus in Quebec.

"Several people are writing to me to ask what they can do. Well, I tell them, 'Go out and give blood,'" said Legault.

Hma-Qubec said there was a "really tremendous" response to that appeal "within minutes."

"It hasreally been a game changer for us, and we hope that it will be a sustainable one to help us get through to donors," said agency spokesperson Laurent-Paul Mnard.

Hma-Qubec needs 1,000 blood donations per day to be able to provide blood and blood products, includingstem cells and plasma.

The number of daily donations dropped to about 75 per cent ofthat last week after citizens were askedto stay home, and manypublic services across Quebecclosed down.

Mnard said that number has gone back up to around 1,000 donations.

"This is the magic number, the magic goal that we have to reach on a daily basis."

The long-term need for regular donors is particularly important for blood components that have a limited life span, Mnard said.

For example, platelets only have a shelf life of seven days and have to be transfused within a week.

Special measures put in place

Hma-Qubec is taking extra precautions to ensure the health of donors and staff in blood donorclinics.

Mnard said clinics already meet high levels of hygiene, and all the equipment usedis sterile.

Additional measures have been taken to disinfect donors' bedsand other equipment.

Donors will also be asked newquestions to determine whether they have been in contact with anyone presenting symptoms of COVID-19.

"Zero risk doesn't exist, but we are taking serious measures in our normal operations," said Mnard.

Travellers who have been out of the country have to respect a 21-day rule before giving blood, under normal circumstances. Anyone entering the country is currently being asked to comply with the government's 14-dayself-isolation requirement.

Mnard said there is no evidence at this point that indicatesthat COVID-19can be transmitted by transfusion.