Concern about the coronavirus is leading a lot of people to stay home, and that means even fewer people are giving blood.
Jan Hale with the Red Cross said the thick of cold and flu season is already a tough time to find donors.
"There's an ongoing need, and it's probably not going to get any better before it gets worse. So, we would just urge anyone that's healthy, that's eligible, that's well — just celebrate your good health and come save a life," Hale said.
The Red Cross donor center is still open and blood drives are still going on. The Red Cross is thoroughly cleaning donor areas and following other safety protocols.
People who recently traveled to China, Hong Kong, Macau, Iran, Italy or South Korea will not be able to donate, however, even if they are feeling well.
"We ask if you've traveled to those areas that you defer your donation for 28 days. Anyone else, feel free to make an appointment, in particular if you are O-positive or O-negative blood types," Hale said.
You can find blood drives at RedCrossBlood.org.
