Canadian Blood Services will soon refuse blood donations from those who’ve travelled to countries where the mosquito-borne virus has become widespread.

 

The blood collection agency says it’ll make a decision in the next few days which travel destinations would be linked to a temporary ban on donations.

The chief medical and scientific officer for Canadian Blood Services says the risk of the Zika virus being transmitted through transfusions is low, but it does not want to take any chances.

Meanwhile, Air Canada says it’s allowing passengers and companions in their immediate family to change bookings or get a refund if they cancel flights due to concerns about the outbreak.

Customers will have to provide a doctor’s note indicating they’re at risk.

And tour operator Transat says pregnant women with a medical note can re-book or change destinations but there’ll be no refund.