Hospitals to resume elective surgeries, triggering surge in blood needs

With new COVID-19 cases in the Northwest projected to decline in the weeks ahead, Washington and Oregon hospitals are preparing to re-start surgeries, organ transplants and cancer treatments that were suspended in March after the magnitude of the pandemic threat became apparent.

That means that patient needs and requests for blood are rising quickly, and could reach pre-COVID levels as early as next week before the blood supply is ready.

“When the coronavirus hit, donors in the community stepped up immediately,” said Curt Bailey, President and CEO of Bloodworks Northwest. “As we start the challenging road to recovery, patients need them even more.”

Special appointments have been reserved for donors who are blood type O negative in this crucial time, so call 800-398-7888 or email schedule@bloodworksnw.org if this is your blood type.

https://myedmondsnews.com/2020/05/hospitals-to-resume-elective-surgeries-triggering-surge-in-blood-needs/

Six Jesuit priests from St. Joseph’s residence in Philadelphia die of COVID-19

More than a third of the Jesuit priests who lived at the Manresa Hall health care center in Philadelphia have been killed by the coronavirus, The Post has learned.

Of the 17 retired Jesuits who live at the facility’s infirmary, which cares for priests in the order who need more care than assisted living can provide, six died between April 14 and 28.

The grim two weeks began with the death of Father G. Richard Dimler, 88, the Jesuits said. Born in Baltimore, he moved to New York and taught German and computer science at Fordham University for 34 years.

Three days later, on April 17, Manresa Hall, which sits adjacent to the St. Joseph’s University campus, was evacuated after all resident priests tested positive.

https://nypost.com/2020/05/09/six-jesuit-priests-die-at-manresa-hall-in-philadelphia-of-covid-19/

China offers to help North Korea fight pandemic

North Korea's government maintains it has not reported a single case of Covid-19 there

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52597749

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