There is a shortage of blood for medical purposes as a direct result of the widespread outbreak of the new coronavirus. With blood drives involving donation buses being canceled, the number of donors has dropped. The Japanese Red Cross Society is calling for the cooperation of the public.
According to the Red Cross, the shortage they especially fear is not having enough of a drug made from red blood cells, which is used to treat hemorrhaging during surgical procedures. There was sufficient supply until the middle of February, but with the decrease in the number of donors, the amount of blood donated during the last week of the month fell short of expectations by an amount roughly equal to 6,000 donations.
Even this month, the trend is continuing. The Red Cross has adopted infection prevention methods, such as placing hand sanitizer at the entrances to donation centers, encouraging donors to check their temperature, and recommending that donors make reservations before coming to avoid overcrowding. A representative of the Red Cross said, "A drug made from red blood cells can be stored for up to 21 days, so we'd really appreciate a continuous flow of donors."
Reservations can be made at your local donation center or on the Japanese Red Cross Society's homepage. Competitive swimmer Rikako Ikee, 19, who is currently receiving treatment for leukemia, made a plea for blood donations on Twitter on Thursday. Undergoing hematology treatments herself, she said: "I feel the significance of blood transfusions deeply. There are people who are living their lives with anxiety and worry, and there are also those who are continuing to survive." She went on to say, "Please save the lives of as many people as possible," as she pleaded for cooperation.
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