Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued her twenty-sixth supplemental emergency proclamation transitioning the state from an amended Safer at Home Order to a new Safer Apart Order, the third phase of COVID-19 pandemic health orders. Masks will no longer be mandated statewide, but individuals are strongly encouraged to wear a mask or other facial covering when in public and in close contact with other people. This order goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021 and extends until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

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Q: Who should be donating blood now in response to the current blood shortage? What factors should be considered, like blood type and risk?

Hospitals across the U.S. are currently facing [shortages](https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/critical-blood-shortage-3A-red-cross-urges-blood-and-platelet-donors-to-give-now-1.html) of all blood types and products due to COVID\-19\-related cancellations of blood drives. The Red Cross has said there is a critical shortage of blood and they have less than a five\-day supply available for patients. Additionally, the Red Cross is urging those who have fully recovered from a confirmed case of COVID\-19 to [consider donating their plasma](https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html) as well. This plasma could help treat people who are currently sick with COVID\-19. Updated 7 December 2020

Who should be donating blood now in response to the current blood shortage? What factors should be considered, like blood type and risk?

Hospitals across the U.S. are currently facing shortages of all blood types and products due to COVID-19-related cancellations of blood drives. The Red Cross has said there is a critical shortage of blood and they have less than a five-day supply available for patients.

Additionally, the Red Cross is urging those who have fully recovered from a confirmed case of COVID-19 to consider donating their plasma as well. This plasma could help treat people who are currently sick with COVID-19.

Updated 7 December 2020