Saints, Red Cross, Regions Hospital to host blood drive Friday

The St. Paul Saints are teaming up with the American Red Cross and Regions Hospital to host a blood drive on Friday.

It will take place at CHS Field in St. Paul, and the Saints say all 182 spots were reserved in just two days.

Health officials say the COVID-19 outbreak has caused thousands of blood drives across the country to be canceled, creating a shortage at blood banks.

To protect staff and donors, people who don’t feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 are asked to postpone their donation.

The Red Cross said it is also taking extra precautions amid the pandemic, including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for staff and donors.

All donors are required to make an appointment prior to arriving and must wear a face covering.