[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The blood supply has dropped by 3.4 days' worth in just half a month, triggering a red alert for blood supply and demand.
The Korea Red Cross Blood Management Headquarters announced on the 18th at midnight that the blood supply has decreased to 4 days' worth, which is 80% of the adequate blood supply level (5 days' worth).
After an emergency disaster text message was sent at the end of November last year due to a blood supply crisis, the blood supply recovered to 7.4 days' worth on the 2nd of this month thanks to the active participation of many citizens in blood donation, but it has decreased by 3.4 days' worth in just half a month.
The Korea Red Cross stated, "Considering the trend of blood supply compared to the same period last year, it is expected that the supply will soon approach 3 days' worth, causing significant difficulties in blood supply ahead of the Seollal holiday." They added, "To ensure smooth blood supply, more than 5,400 people need to participate in blood donation daily, but currently there is a shortage of over 1,000 donors each day."
Meanwhile, vaccinated individuals can donate blood 7 days after vaccination, and confirmed COVID-19 patients can donate blood 4 weeks after full recovery.
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