Some 600 medical staff here at Guangzhou First People's Hospital are taking part in a biannual blood drive. But the reality this time around is quite different, given the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Donors are not only providing much needed blood for patients in Hubei, but also for those with others illnesses.

DR. LIU ZHEN Cardiologist, Guangzhou First People's Hospital "Blood donation takes place every year, and I donate once or twice per year. But due to the coronavirus, our blood bank is more intense this year. So we hope to donate a little of our own blood to help patients and those in need."

According to a report released last year by China's national health commission, the nation has witnessed more than 20 years of growth when it comes to blood donation.

Despite the positive trend, in recent months there's been a shortage of blood donations. This ultimately creates a rather hazardous situation when organizing events like this one.

OMAR KHAN Guangzhou, Guangdong Province "Donating blood is often welcomed as a generous and helpful act, but these days during the coronavirus outbreak, there are noticeable concerns. For many of the doctors and nurses here, they've been working in fever clinics, raising the question how safe are donations, and if there is a possibility of transmission."

Medical authorities at the hospital are making sure this round of donations is being carried out with a high degree of caution, despite no nucleic acid tests being taken.

They say medical staff who have come in direct contact with treating coronavirus patients, will have to wait before donating blood.

HUANG GUANGLIE Party Secretary, Guangzhou First People's Hospital "Those that have signed up for blood donation this time are very enthusiastic. Many have applied. But to ensure the safety of this round of donation, we've installed temperature measuring points and have conducted other screening tests. Each blood sampling point is separated. We also pay attention to staff who may have had direct and close contact with a patient. We've told them to wait six months before donating blood."

The hospital has also emphasized that the shortage is not because of the coronavirus, but because of fewer donations. And that's the main driver behind why these doctors are rolling up their sleeves.

WEI YAMING Director, Blood Transfusion Division Guangzhou First People's Hospital "It's been tense in previous years, but this year even more. We all know how serious this epidemic is, and there are few blood donors. We medics need to step up at this time, not only to fight the epidemic, but to support blood donations and other clinical work. I think when we lead the way, we can support the whole nation."

Omar Khan, CGTN, Guangzhou.