School still plans on holding bloodmobile; supply is low

OSMOND — As of Monday evening, the spring visit of the Red Cross bloodmobile was still planned for Wednesday, March 25. Blood donations — for which there is a goal  of 54 — will be taken at the school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

According to anatomy class instructor Kerri Conn, the Red Cross is encouraging the school to go ahead with the bloodmobile as the blood supply is low. The visit is hosted by the Osmond High School anatomy class. Please call the school to schedule appointments. Walk-ins are also welcome.

If the event is moved to another location or canceled, the public will be notified through Facebook and by posting at locations downtown.

According to a press release from the Red Cross: Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood. There is no data or evidence that this coronavirus can be transmissible by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases worldwide of transmissions for any respiratory virus, including this coronavirus, from a transfusion.

In addition, the Red Cross stated: The Red Cross has implemented new blood donation deferrals out of an abundance of caution. Individuals are asked to postpone their donation for 28 days following:

• Travel to China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea;

• Diagnosis of COVID-19, contact with a person who has or is suspected to have the virus.

As the situation evolves, the Red Cross will continue to evaluate all emerging risks in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and industry partners to determine if additional intervention strategies are needed. Together, we stand ready to keep the American public informed and prepared.