Red Cross Statement on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
March 9, 2020 – The American Red Cross has issued a statement about Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) which notes that: “there have been no reported blood transfusion transmissions of respiratory viruses including coronaviruses and influenza-like viruses worldwide at this time.”
While the risk of contracting any coronavirus through a blood transfusion is extremely low, the American Red Cross has nevertheless implemented new blood donation deferrals out of an abundance of caution: The Red Cross is now asking that individuals who have traveled to China, Hong Kong, or Macau – or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or who have been in contact with a person who has COVID-19 or is suspected of having it – postpone blood donations for 28 days.
The American Red Cross will continue to collaborate with the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure the safety and availability of the U.S. blood supply for patients in need. Further information about the American Red Cross guidance can be found at: https://www.redcross.org/