Daily COVID-19 digest

Triplets mark birthday by becoming first-time blood donors: For their seventeenth birthday, Samantha, Jeanne and Veronica Cook didn’t want to receive gifts. Instead, the triplets wanted to celebrate by donating blood. The triplets all have O-negative blood, making them universal donors. “We know that there’s always a need for blood and that some donors are staying home because of COVID-19,” says Jeanne. “By donating, maybe we’ll inspire other people to come forward.” Read more about the triplets’ selfless birthday celebration and how they were inspired to donate on blood.ca/stories.

Recognizing diversity, equity and inclusion celebratory days: Through the months of June to August, we will be recognizing and celebrating the unique heritage and cultures of diverse groups in Canada. Andrew Pateman, vice-president of people, culture and performance, shares his thoughts on these celebratory days and on diversity, equity and inclusion at Canadian Blood Services. Watch the video on Connect.

Question of the day: Should washrooms in donor centres be cleaned after each donor use? Since we have to clean equipment such as screening booths and beds after each use, could this be clarified?

We clean equipment between donations to contribute to donor confidence and to limit the risk of spread.

Washroom cleaning every two-three hours is part of our enhanced cleaning measures in place to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We do not require the washrooms to be cleaned between each donor because unlike other touchpoints in the donation process, donors have access to wash their hands before and after use. Handwashing is the preferred method of hand hygiene to protect employees, volunteers and donors.

The enhanced cleaning measures in place exceed what is currently recommending by the Public Health Agency of Canada to limit the risk of spreading the virus.

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About the daily digest

This daily digest will highlight the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters. Things are moving quickly, so you can expect to hear from us daily. No access to email? No problem — all this information and more can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.

Click here to read past editions of the daily digest.

Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca.