Coronavirus fears lead to vital need of type O blood donations

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Coronavirus is impacting southeast Texas blood supplies because officials say people are afraid to donate.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center says it is in vital need of donations, especially for O positive and O negative blood and red blood cells.

According to the blood center, COVID-19 poses no known risk to patients receiving blood transfusions, and there is no risk of contracting the virus from donating.

A blood donation could save up to three lives.