New restrictions on blood donations have been put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic — but new donors are still needed.The Bermuda Hospitals Board said people cannot donate blood if they have either been to an area with an outbreak of Covid-19 in the past 28 days or lived with someone diagnosed with, or suspected of being infected with Covid-19 over the same period.Anyone with a confirmed case of Covid-19 will be banned from blood donation until 56 days after they have made a full recovery.A Bermuda Hospitals Board spokeswoman said: “Our screening measures are evolving in line with public health recommendations and the changing dynamics of the Covid-19 outbreak. “We ask donors who have recently travelled outside of Bermuda to call 236-5067 when booking their appointment to confirm they are eligible.“These measures help ensure our donor centre remains an area of wellness within Bermuda’s health system — the Blood Donor Centre is not a place where sick people gather.”She added: “We urge all healthy eligible donors to book and keep appointments.“Patients depend on these life-saving donations. Every day, blood products are needed for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatments and to save lives following traumas. “To help every patient, we require the ongoing generosity and commitment of donors.”The spokeswoman said it was safe to donate blood in Bermuda and all donors were screened for any symptoms of illness.She added: “This screening occurs during both appointment booking and upon arrival at the donor centre. “Those with any symptoms are not allowed to donate blood and are instructed not to visit.”