Who should be donating blood now in response to the current blood shortage? What factors should be considered, like blood type and risk?

Hospitals across the U.S. are currently facing shortages of all blood types and products due to COVID-19-related cancellations of blood drives. The Red Cross has said there is a critical shortage of blood and they have less than a five-day supply available for patients.

Additionally, the Red Cross is urging those who have fully recovered from a confirmed case of COVID-19 to consider donating their plasma as well. This plasma could help treat people who are currently sick with COVID-19.

Updated 7 December 2020