Face coverings for blood donors

[mtbc]

In discussing the current pandemic, the NHS blood donation website says, We are advising donors to wear a face covering when they give blood. However, yesterday evening when I went to donate, they were quite clear about having us all take our masks off on entry, also our gloves. It was a relief to note that the room we all shared was ventilated with fresh air. I wonder if donor masking is yet another policy difference between England and Scotland.

Comments

[shadowkat]

That's so odd. Why would Scotland advise not to wear masks or gloves while donating blood?

[mtbc]

My theory is that gloves and masks and whatnot might get in the way of finger-prick tests and taking one's pulse and seeing that one's looking ill in some way. That's as well as I can figure, though, I didn't overhear anything persuasive while there and I didn't ask: the staff with Scottish accents, lips hidden behind masks, in a busy room with echo-y acoustics presented quite a challenge to me to understand anybody.

[shadowkat]

I give you credit for donating, I might have turned around and went home.

Although I'm sure it's safe - they all had masks on. And as long as you didn't touch your face.

But it is odd. Doctor's offices make us wear masks. They make people wear masks here for the COVID test. The Dental office - according to people who've gone, has you wear a mask up to the actual exam.