The Red Cross Society will organise its annual mega blood donation camp on May 8 but this time it will be conducted differently.

The Red Cross Society has decided to organise the camp for a lengthier duration for social distancing, sanitisation and other precautions such as distribution of masks to donors.

The camp will be organised at Jamshedpur Blood Bank as the Red Cross Bhavan in Sakchi is a centre for the district’s relief materials. Around 350 donors are expected to come on Friday.

Though the usual collection of blood surpasses 1,000 units every year, this year donors have been requested to donate across April so that the stock of blood units are maintained at the Jamshedpur Blood Bank that caters to all three districts of Kolhan division.

The Red Cross Society has sent messages to around 400 blood donors so that they can commute smoothly amid the lockdown.

“We sent the text messages on May 4. Anyone facing problem while coming to donate blood should show this to the police personnel. We have informed about it to East Singhbhum deputy commissioner Ravi Shankar Shukla,” said Bijay Singh, honorary secretary of the Red Cross Society.

For the first time, the duration of the donation has been increased. Donors can donate blood between 8am and 7pm compared to the usual 9am to 5pm to let people maintain distance.

The society will have its volunteers who will ensure people maintain distance.

The reclining chairs will be sanitised at intervals.

Singh said around 700 people have donated to the Jamshedpur Blood Bank in April and now the society has contacted those who haven’t donated in the past three months. For those who won’t be able to donate on May 8, they can come on May 10.

“We preferred to do it in parts. We have extended the duration but it might take time because we will follow distancing and won’t allow too many people at one place. Therefore, if some people are left out they can come and donate on May 10,” said Singh.

The district public relations department through its social media platforms has also requested people to donate blood on May 8.