New Delhi, Mar 27 (IANS): Thalassemic children, who are the regular recipient of fresh blood, are facing its shortage with the blood donation drives getting cancelled across the country in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Indian Red Cross Society, a voluntary humanitarian organization, stated that donating blood at this time is safe.

"Our donor screening measures ensure the safety of all blood donors and it is safe to donate blood. We urge you to come forward and show your support."

The organisation stated that due to the bar imposed on mass gatherings, scheduled blood donation camps were cancelled which led to an acute shortage of blood in banks.

"Thalassemic children, who are regular recipients of fresh blood at our blood bank, are the worst affected," Indian Red Cross Society stated.

It added that coronavirus presents no risk from donating blood. "According to the FDA, there have been no reported cases of Covid-19 transmitted by blood transfusion."

The pandemic has effectively brought normal life to a halt.