France is confined but blood donation establishments are open. And their reserves are low. "The blood collection must absolutely continue," explains Jérôme Salomon, the Director General of Health. He calls on "national solidarity" to maintain sufficient donations.

As containment measures came into force to limit the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, Director General of Health Jérôme Salomon called for a major national effort in favor of blood and platelet donation. Blood donation establishments are suffering from a drop in attendance due to the epidemic. The French Blood Establishment has recorded a drop of 30% in blood and platelet donations since Monday. However, the places of collection are open, and movements to get there are authorized as aid to vulnerable people.

>> LIVE - Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation Thursday March 19

Reservations of less than fifteen days

"The blood collection must absolutely continue," says Jérôme Salomon. "It's vital: everyday for many patients, especially in intensive care." To go to a collection site, all you need is a certificate of derogatory trips, a certificate on your honor or a summons from the transfusion center.

>> PODCAST - Coronavirus: find all the answers to your questions here

"The need for blood is constant. Collection can not be interrupted during the current period of confinement," said the Director General of Health. There is an emergency: the current reserves of red blood cells are less than fifteen days and those of platelets less than three days.