The level of donated blood collection in Cyprus has decreased by about 15% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years – said Socrates Menelaou, head of the relevant ministry of health. He asked donors not to be afraid to visit blood donation centers and “not to let the coronavirus break the chain of transfusions.

According to Menelaou, from March 1 to November 5, 48,868 people came to donate blood, compared to 50,464 during the same period last year. There was also a decrease in the number of collected blood units – the figures were 42 967 and 42 042 respectively. Socrates Menelaou stressed that the difference in figures may seem small, but it is important and significant based on the proportion of the population.

The speaker assured that staff at blood collection points had received adequate safety training – both for their own and visitors’ – and urged citizens not to be afraid to come to blood donation. Menelaou pointed out that his agency is trying to attract more donors to existing points with better COVID-19 security conditions – for example, cubage and ventilation – and is constantly looking for new suitable premises.