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| Donors are urged to make an appointment before going to a blood donation centre |
Members of the public are being urged to donate
blood, as supplies have dipped to a “very low level” in the wake of extreme
conditions caused by Thursday’s record rainfall and widespread flooding, as
well as last week’s T10 typhoon.
In a statement posted in the government’s website
today, Saturday, the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS)
urgently appealed to donors, especially Type O, to come forward to speed up
clinical transfusions to patients in need.
According to reports, about 140 people were taken to
hospital for treatment in the wake of the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in
Hong Kong’s history.
At least three deaths have been reported, although
police are still investigating if they are linked to the widespread flooding and
several incidents of landslips and road subsidence reported across the city.
The latest reported death involved a man in his 50s who
was fished from a river off a Yuen Long village.
Earlier today, a contract worker of the Airport Authority
died after being critically injured when he was crushed between a street
cleaning vehicle and a truck. The 55-year-old man was certified dead at the
scene by emergency services personnel.
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| A freebie cooler bag will be given to each successful donor from now until Sept 15 |
The BTS said the blood collection service has
resumed to normal so people should not hesitate to go to the nearest donor
center or mobile donation vehicle.
As a token of thanks, every donor who successfully donates
blood at the designated collection areas of BTS from September 9 to 15 will
receive a "Captain Blood Denim Cooler Bag" (photo above), while
stocks last.
Those aged between 16 and 65 (donation is possible
until age 75 if certain conditions are met), weighing 41 kilos or more and in
good health are eligible to give blood.
To donate, a qualified donor must book an appointment
by calling the BTS donor centres, booking online or via the "HK
Blood" mobile apps. For details, please visit www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
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