NYC Under 'Blood Emergency' Amid Delta Variant Fears

New York City NY

23 August, 2021

4:21 PM

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NEW YORK CITY — New York City's blood supply is running dangerously low — again. The New York Blood Center declared a "blood emergency" on Monday after the city's blood stores dropped to a two- or three-day supply. Supply of vital type O blood stands even lower — just one or two days. Fears of the highly contagious delta variant of coronavirus have prompted a wave of blood drive cancellations and a drop in donations, blood center staff said. "A robust blood supply is essential for our healthcare system to function and we must do everything we can to strengthen it at this time of uncertainty," Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director at New York Blood Center, said in a statement. Citywide blood shortages struck several times during the coronavirus pandemic, most recently in June. The city's ongoing reopening had given New York Blood Center staff hope that the chronically short blood supply would rebound as vaccinated New Yorkers returned to everyday life, a release states. But the delta variant appears to have slowed donations to a trickle — blood drives planned by community groups, businesses and schools have been canceled. Blood center staff worry more severe shortages could occur in coming weeks. People interested in donating blood — which is safe and only takes an hour — can schedule appointments by calling 1-800-933-2566 or visiting www.nybc.org.