'A critically important activity': Blood donations remain essential during coronavirus social distancing

Australians are being reminded that donating blood and plasma is an 'essential service' as more of us bunker down to slow the spread of coronavirus. Key points: The Australian Department of Health and the Red Cross Lifeblood service advise that donating blood remains an "essential service" Social distancing and changes to health services designed to stop the spread of coronavirus have led to many people cancelling their appointments to donate blood and plasma Lifeblood needs 10,000 donations before Easter As people socially distance by staying home, authorities have ramped up measures to arrest the spread and ease pressure on health services, to allow them to treat those who have become seriously ill after being infected. "A blood donation is a life-saving donation and much of modern health care depends on availability and support of blood donors, so it is definitely an essential service," Lifeblood medical director, James Daly, said. "Leaving home to do essential activities like shopping and visiting pharmacies; blood donations should be included in those essential activities." Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world The Department of Health is encouraging people to keep donating, confirming it is an "essential service".