Blood donations suspended after COVID cases at Regina Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is confirming a couple of COVID-19 cases at its building in Regina.

It was notified that two people at its Broad Street location recently tested positive for COVID, but won’t reveal if they are staff or donors, citing confidentiality of personal information.

The organization declined an interview but issued a statement.

“With an abundance of caution, we made a decision to suspend collections at the fixed site in Regina and surrounding mobile events to ensure that those who may be exposed were informed quickly and that additional precautions, if required, could be taken,” communications specialist Deb Steele-Kretschmer said in an email.

Whole blood donations were originally suspended on March 11. CBS said that will last until next Monday. It adds apheresis plasma and platelet collections continue and the decision was driven by staff availability.

“The safety of our donors, staff and volunteers is a priority. Canadian Blood Services has robust safety measures in place at collection events across the country, including mandatory masks, additional PPE, enhanced cleaning, wellness checkpoints and physical distancing to safeguard our teams, donors and volunteers,” Steele-Kretschmer said.

Donors who had appointments are being notified of the cancellations and are encouraged to rebook on the GiveBlood app, by calling 1-888-236-6283 or by visiting blood.ca.