CALIFORNIA — Fearing that California's ongoing COVID-19 outbreak could lead to a statewide blood shortage, the American Red Cross is urging healthy residents to donate blood and help maintain a sufficient blood supply.

"Cold and flu season has already impacted the nation's ability to maintain its blood supply," the Red Cross wrote in a news release. "As the number of coronavirus cases grows in the U.S., the number of people eligible to give blood for patients in need could decrease further." Other states, including Rhode Island and Washington, have also reported an "urgent need" for health residents to donate blood.

There is no evidence that the coronavirus can be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases of any respiratory virus, including the coronavirus, being transmitted that way, the Red Cross said. Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in California. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

As a precaution, the Red Cross is asking people to postpone their donation for 28 days if they have traveled to China, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea, which have all seen COVID-19 outbreaks. People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 come in contact with someone who has or might have it are also required to postpone their donation.