MUSCAT: People who wish to donate blood at the Central Blood Bank (CBB) in Baushar are exempted from the movement ban, provided they obtain the permit, Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.

Here’s how to get the permit from the blood bank:

• Book an appointment to donate blood two days before the date you want to donate by sending the word ‘Permit’ via WhatsApp on 94555648.
• After the appointment reservation is confirmed, a copy of the permit will be sent via WhatsApp.
• The donor will receive the permit from the blood bank after donating.

“In view of the urgent need to continue to donate blood and its derivatives, and to facilitate blood donors, coordination has been made between the Ministry of Health, and the competent authorities to allow donors to go to blood banks during the movement ban, as the donor will be granted a temporary permit,” MOH said in the statement.

The Central Blood Bank in Baushar works from 8am to 8pm from Saturday to Thursday and 3pm to 8pm on Friday.