Coronavirus (COVID-19) and gamete donation
The Joint UK Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee (JPAC) has issued a number of Change Notifications that applies to all the tissue and cells donor selection guidelines, this includes:
Must not donate if:
a) Less than 28 days from a donor’s return from a Coronavirus risk area. This includes transit through an airport in a Coronavirus risk area, even if the traveller has not left the airport.
b) Less than 28 days from the last contact with a person with Coronavirus infection.
c) Less than 28 days since recovery from Coronavirus infection or possible Coronavirus infection.
They also issued a Change Notification regarding the Geographical Disease Risk Index (GDRI). As there are a number of countries listed in this index we advise that you visit the JPAC website for regular updates of which countries are considered a high risk.
The HFEA has issued multiple alerts to clinics regarding Coronavirus. These can be found in the alerts section of the portal. We will continue to issue alerts when necessary as well as maintain the information on this page.
The government continue to provide the latest information and advice on Coronavirus on their website, and action plan which may also be helpful.
Publication date: 9 April 2026