STATEWIDE - The Coronavirus outbreak is creating what officials are calling an unprecedented shortage in blood nationwide.

Officials with the American Red Cross say 41 blood drives in Nebraska have been canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. They say that results in about 1,300 fewer blood donations and they're expecting that number to rise.

Red Cross officials stress that donors can still give blood even during this period of social distancing. They say they will be checking the temperature of staff and donors before entering a drive, providing hand sanitizer and spacing beds as far apart as they can to ensure social distancing practices can be maintained.

Anyone who would like more information about donating blood can visit the Red Cross' website.