People who donate blood may get more information than just their blood type.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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The American Red Cross will be testing donated blood, platelets and plasma donations for coronavirus antibodies.  Officials say following a donation, the antibody test results should come back in 7 to 10 days.

Blood donations have been off while supplies remain low.  As hospitals resume elective and non-emergency surgeries after the coronavirus emergency in March and April, the demand for blood is going up.

The move to test donations for antibodies may result in a few more people rolling up their sleeves, helping to meet the need for blood while offering a degree of peace of mind for residents who may wonder if they had unknowingly been exposed to the coronavirus.

To schedule a donation time, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports  more free coronavirus drive-thru testing sites will open in Walmart parking lots across northern Pennsylvania as Governor Tom Wolf's administration seeks to expand testing to areas where there's little available.

The administration says the nine new sites will open June 17 at Walmart parking lots in Sayre, State College, Edinboro, New Castle, Grove City, Coal Township, Selinsgrove, Lewisburg and Mansfield.

That brings the total number of free coronavirus drive-thru testing sites in Walmart parking lots to 19.

People seeking a test must register online a day in advance.

 

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