Coronavirus: Canadian Blood Services concerned about possibility of shortages amid outbreak

Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is concerned about the possibility of blood shortages as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

Inventories of blood and blood products are “very strong” at the moment, said Dr. Isra Levy, CBS’ vice president of medical affairs and innovation.

But that can change very quickly, he said. In the last few days, he said, CBS has seen cancellations of individual appointments and some group events hosted by employers.

“This is giving us a lot of concern about impending shortages of blood components because the hospital needs for blood, of course, continue and people with critical illness or trauma who need blood will still need the blood,” he said.

There are now more than 300 Canadian cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, and officials have urged Canadians to practice social distancing in order to slow the spread.

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