THE NHS has asked blood donors to continue giving blood despite the covid-19 pandemic.

The NHS Blood and Transplant department said they are putting in place extra safety measures on sessions and advised that donor centres are still open around the country.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We need donors to keep donating as normal in Essex.

"Our sessions and donor centres are still open around the country. Travel to blood donation sessions is essential to the NHS.

"Our stock levels are currently good but we need people to keep donating to make sure hospitals continue to receive the blood they need.

"Regular donation will help us to be well prepared to support the wider NHS for the impact of the coronavirus.

"We have seen an increase in calls from people asking if sessions are going ahead and people asking questions about coronavirus.

"We're putting in place extra safety measures on our sessions and safety is always our number one priority.

"We’re asking donors in Essex to follow the latest advice on our website and app and the advice from the Government.

"We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services.”