The American Red Cross says the nation is facing a severe blood shortage. The coronavirus outbreak has forced the cancellation of thousands of blood drives across the country.
Nationwide, the Red Cross has cancelled some 2,700 blood drives in the wake of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak.
In Michigan, that amounts to about 5,100 fewer individual blood donations.
Spokesman Todd Kulman with the American Red Cross of Michigan says people should not be afraid to schedule their donation online.
“There is no evidence and there are no reported cases of the coronavirus or really any respiratory virus that has been transmitted by a blood transfusion,” Kulman says.
Kulman says cancellations are expected to increase, which could impact the availability of blood for car accident victims or people requiring surgery.