The NHS is urging those who regularly give blood to keep attending appointments during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Members of the NHS Blood and Transplant team in Kent have been receiving a high number of calls from people asking if sessions are still going ahead due to government's plea for people to practice social distancing.

However, all sessions and donor centres across the county will still be open for people to attend and donate their blood.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesman said: "We need donors to keep donating as normal in Kent.

"Travel to blood donation sessions is essential to the NHS. Our stock levels are currently good but we need people to keep donating to make sure hospitals continue to receive the blood they need.

"Regular donation will help us to be well prepared to support the wider NHS for the impact of coronavirus."

The teams also want to reassure people that they should not worry about contracting the virus as a result of giving blood.

The spokesman added: "There is no evidence of any type of coronavirus being transmitted through blood donation.

"No blood donation services are testing blood donations for the virus."

The blood and transplant teams have also put in place extra safety measures to protect donors as much as possible.

Extra cleaning routines and hand gel stations have been added to the donation centres and areas to reduce the possibility of coming into contact with the virus.

High contact surfaces such as door handles are also being regularly cleaned.

To find your closest centre to donate blood, click here.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent