31 July 2020

Lifeblood’s top priority is the safety of our donors, staff, volunteers and, of course, blood recipients.

With restrictions in place across Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire of Victoria, it’s important to remember blood and plasma donation is an essential service and remains absolutely vital. That is, we’re open, and our donors are essential. The health of the nation depends on it.

We wish to reassure all donors that our donor centres remain safe.

Donors in the affected areas are still able to donate as long as they meet our standard eligibility criteria, are feeling well and healthy, have not been in close contact with a confirmed Covid19 case and are not waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test.

In addition, following Victorian and NSW government heath advice, Lifeblood donor centre employees across both of these states are currently wearing face masks.

We’ve also asked all donors attending any of our centres in Victoria or our Albury donor centre to wear face masks while donating. If donors don’t have a face-mask, we’ll provide one.

NSW donors who wish to wear a mask while giving blood or plasma are welcome to do so.



NSW donors can either bring their own mask or can ask staff for one during their appointment.



We note the situation is constantly changing and we’ll continue to monitor and follow government advice. It’s important to remember bookings remain essential in order for us to maintain social distancing in our centres.

Despite the challenges of 2020 and late 2019, we’d like to recognise that we’ve had an overwhelming response from our donors throughout the coronavirus pandemic who have continued to donate blood and plasma and we urge them to continue donating throughout the winter period.

Lifeblood facilities are strictly regulated by the Therapeutic Good Administration, which means our ongoing operating procedures must always comply with the highest safety and hygiene standards, including extensive cleaning.

We've put together a list of frequently asked questions where you can find out about all the measures we’re taking to keep our centres safe, what new blood donation rules we’ve introduced, and how you can best follow public health advice.

If you still have a question you need help with, please call us on 13 14 95.

For more on coronavirus, visit the Australian Department of Health website