BLOOD donors are being urged to keep giving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NHS is appealing to blood, plasma and platelet donors in all Tier areas to keep attending donation sessions as normal if they are well.

That message follows on from an appeal by NHS Blood and Transplant for blood and platelet donors to make an appointment over the festive period.

An extra 1,500 units of blood is currently needed every week and extra appointments have been added across the country to help meet the demand.

However the NHS does not want a surge of donors to come forward now but rather to maintain normal donation levels. A spokesperson said: “We need people to keep donating as normal to maintain stocks at good levels in the weeks and months ahead.”

Extra safety measures have been put in place at donation venues where donors have their temperature checked on arrival. Hand gels and hand washing facilities are also available while donors are being spaced apart.

Extra cleaning is also being carried out while staff and donors have to wear face coverings. NHS Blood and Transplant says that each donation can save or improve up to three lives.

Donors are reminded to follow Government transport guidance when they are making a journey to give blood. To book an appointment call 0300 123 23 23, download the NHS Give Blood app, or visit blood.co.uk.