KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — MEDIC Regional Blood Center is urging donors to continue to give blood amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
MEDIC officials say the nonprofit has “an immediate and critical need to supply products to regional hospitals, and that without donors our region and country may be facing an unprecedented blood shortage.”
They also say that MEDIC is implementing wellness checks for staff and visitors. That policy was effective Monday.
Other policies in place, include screenings for all donors to ensure they’re feeling healthy and well, and the blood that is collected is always tested for infectious diseases.
While MEDIC is encouraging people to come in and donate, you should know, the donation process does not include getting tested for the coronavirus.
CORONAVIRUS NEWS:
- Coronavirus Timeline: Total COVID-19 cases near 175K, deaths now stand at 2,097 in the state
- CHART: Tennessee Department of Health’s count of coronavirus cases by day in state
- Greene County mayor extends mask mandate through September 30
- Video and pictures of packed house party near KU campus spark concern as virus cases rise
- Tennessee Coronavirus: Two weeks into September, state has seen a 12.48% increase in COVID-19 cases and a 19.56% increase in deaths
- Coronavirus in Tennessee: Knox County reports smallest 1-day increase in new cases so far in September
- Oxford and AstraZeneca resume coronavirus vaccine trial
- Tennessee Coronavirus: Total COVID-19 cases reach 171,824 with 933 new cases reported Sunday
- Coronavirus in Tennessee: Inactive cases rise by 204 as Knox County reports 121 new cases & no new deaths
- As Trump played down virus, health experts’ alarm grew
- Dakotas lead US in virus growth as both reject mask rules
- Tennessee Coronavirus: COVID-19 deaths hit 2,064 with 39 new ones reported Saturday
- Coronavirus in Tennessee: Inactive cases rise by 229 as Knox County reports 189 new cases & 3 new deaths
- As restaurants, bars re-open amid coronavirus, CDC study urges caution
- Ohio college students test positive for coronavirus, throw party