Stocks for a number of blood types in Singapore are running low as of May 29, according to Singapore Red Cross (SRC)'s website.

Blood types at 'critical' and 'low' levels

Blood types A+, AB+ and AB- are currently at 'critical' levels, which means that donors are urged to donate within the same day as you read the notice.

Meanwhile, blood types B+ and O+ are at 'low' levels.

Donors are urged to donate these blood types within the week.

Blood collection dropped during first week of CB

According to The Straits Times, Singapore's blood stocks have dropped by a third during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decline in the number of blood donations was particularly sharp during the first week of circuit breaker.

A spokesman for SRC told ST:

"We recognise that many donors will avoid going out unnecessarily. Some donors may not be aware that blood donation remains an essential service and that our blood banks are still open."

SRC also said that it has been unable to hold mobile drives as often as before.

Previously, the organisation used to conduct at least 10 mobile blood drives weekly.

But now, only four drives are held every week.

Although SRC has not had to turn away a patient in need of blood transfusion, it said that more needs to be done in Singapore to ensure a sufficient and sustainable supply of safe blood.

Risk of getting Covid-19 while donating blood is low

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA), which manages Singapore's blood banks, has previously stated that the risk of contracting Covid-19 while donating blood is assessed to be low.

SRC also wrote on its website that precautions are put in place to ensure safe distancing during the blood drives.

For more information on blood donation, you can click here.

Top image from Singapore Red Cross/FB.