Governor Cuomo requests that New Yorkers who’ve recovered from COVID-19 Donate Blood to aid in treatment of the disease.
On April 9, Governor Cuomo during his daily COVID-19 press conference requested that New Yorkers, who’ve recovered from the virus, donate blood. The blood plasma of such individuals would have antibodies against the virus which could help in the development of a treatment for COVID-19. Interested persons can go to the related New York Blood Center Page.
Governor Cuomo, “Let’s also find the treatment for this disease – a convalescent plasma which is plasma from people who were infected that can be then used to treat people who get infected. We need that plasma from people who were infected. We’re starting up lot blood drive and asking those who have recovered from the virus to contact us and to donate blood so we can develop the convalescent plasma treatment…”
Another page within the NY Blood Center site bears the following statement:
“”The Red Cross is seeking people who are fully recovered from COVID-19 and may be able to donate plasma to help current patients with serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections, or those judged by a healthcare provider to be at high risk of progression to severe or life-threatening disease.””
“”People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. This convalescent plasma is being evaluated as treatment for patients seriously ill with COVID-19. Historically, convalescent plasma has been used as a potentially lifesaving treatment when new diseases or infections develop quickly, and no treatments or vaccines were available yet. The Red Cross has been asked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help identify prospective donors and manage the distribution of these products to hospitals treating patients in need. If you’re fully recovered from a verified coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis, please review the information below and fill out the Potential Donor form. A Red Cross representative will follow up with prospective candidates to confirm eligibility.””