Staff from local hospitals and government departments donated blood on Friday in the wake of a blood shortageunder the current coronavirus epidemic.

As many people left Shanghai for Spring Festival and due to the epidemic, there have been fewer blood donors than usual. However, there is still a demand for blood for emergency surgery,tumorpatients as well as other medical uses, according to Shanghai Blood Center officials.

LiuYicheng, from theShanghai Sixth People's Hospital, said it was the third time he had donated blood but it was the most special one.

"Many of my colleagues have gone toWuhanto support the fight against coronavirus. As one of the medical staff serving in the city, I want to do something to contribute,"Liusaid. "After learning about the shortage of blood, I called to take part immediately. Some of my colleagues also came with me today."

Shanghai Health Commission said a reservation scheme for blood donation authority has been launched to avoid gatherings. It said more donors were needed.

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Liu Yicheng from the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital donates blood at Shanghai Blood Center on Friday.