TROY, Mich. – You’ve likely heard about the concern about a lack of ventilators and hospital beds in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, but there’s another urgent need at hospitals.
There is a critical shortage of blood.
“I thought I’d come in today and do my part,” said Doug Waldo.
Waldo went to the Elks Lodge in Troy to donate blood.
“It seems like there’s always a blood shortage, but it’s especially bad now with the coronavirus,” Waldo said.
The American Red Cross said there’s an overwhelming shortage of blood.
“To put the severe blood shortage into perspective, as the pandemic has grown here in the U.S. The Red Cross has seen blood drives canceled at quite an alarming rate,” said Todd Kulman with American Red Cross.
Kulman said more than 4,500 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to the virus. Michigan is also seeing some cancelations.
“We have over 200 blood drives in Michigan that have been cancelled. We lost about 6,000 units of blood, just here in the state of Michigan,” he said.
But around 3 p.m. Thursday, another cancelation, the Elks Lodge in Troy had to shut its doors.
“We were told that if we continue to have the blood drives that we would be violating the governor’s executive order. Disappointing. This is something that’s greatly needed in our community but we’re not being allowed to provide it,” said Gerald Robbins with Elks Lodge.
Local 4 was informed that the Lodge is considered a restaurant because they do serve food and beverages and they can only do carry out, according to the Governor’s orders.
The Lodge cancelled future blood drives.
Click here to find out where you can donate blood
MORE: Here’s which Michigan counties have confirmed cases of coronavirus
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.