HSA Updates
Update on the Precautionary Measures Taken to Safeguard Donors' Health and Well-Being
Audiences
Consumer
Product type
Others
12 March 2020
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In response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the Blood Services Group of the Health Sciences Authority has updated the additional precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of our blood donors.
2 We are now screening potential donors and their companions for fever or respiratory symptoms, such as cough or runny nose, as well as their travel history before they can enter the blood banks or mobile drives. All persons who are unwell, with risk of exposure to COVID-19, or have travelled to mainland China, Republic of Korea, Iran and northern Italy[1], in the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter the premises.
3 Our staff are monitoring their own temperatures twice a day, and have been asked to wear masks and see a doctor if they have fever or respiratory symptoms. To further assure our donors, we have also increased the frequency of cleaning to ensure the cleanliness standards of our blood banks.
4 Blood is required daily to support the needs of patients in Singapore. As blood has a short shelf life (6 weeks for red cells and 5 days for platelets), we encourage donors to donate at regular intervals to help us ensure a constant supply of blood.
[1] Refers to the following 8 administrative regions of northern Italy: Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige / Südtirol.
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
12 MARCH 2020
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