The Ministry of Health Has Issued a New 28-Day Rule! The Ministry of Health has announced a new measure related to the coronavirus outbreak. According to the new decision, people who have had contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient will be deferred from donating blood for 28 days. The Ministry continues to introduce new precautions in response to COVID-19. Although transmission of respiratory viruses and COVID-19 through blood and blood products has not been observed to date, a theoretical risk exists. Based on this risk, the Ministry requests that anyone who has been in contact with a confirmed coronavirus case refrain from donating blood for 28 days.
The Ministry of Health has also outlined precautions to be taken at blood donation centers because of the coronavirus. Due to uncertainty about viremia or the presence of virus in body fluids during the recovery phase of COVID-19, the guidance is to accept donations only after at least 28 days have passed since symptoms resolved. Individuals showing signs or symptoms consistent with coronavirus infection must not be accepted as blood donors.
The Ministry Will Set Up a Reporting System
Under the rules indicated by the Ministry, anyone who has been in contact with a coronavirus patient will be ineligible to donate blood for 28 days. Donors who develop respiratory infection symptoms within 48 hours after donation will be reported to a central notification system or contacted by telephone and questioned about possible coronavirus infection. If a donor is confirmed to have coronavirus, the donated blood products will be destroyed by the authorities.
The Ministry will establish a system for reporting donor illnesses and proven contacts with confirmed COVID-19 cases that occur after donation. This system will allow authorities to trace blood and blood products collected between the 14th and 28th day following either the onset of a donor’s illness or a confirmed exposure. Donors whose donations are deferred will be informed not to have contact with potential recipients for 28 days. The number of staff working in blood centers will be reduced where possible. A minimum distance of 1 metre must be maintained between health workers and donors. If it becomes necessary to come closer than 1 metre, health personnel must use personal protective equipment in addition to a medical mask. After each donor, the area and equipment used will be cleaned and disinfected.