A FRIEND of mine who has had coronavirus responded to the NHS appeal for volunteers to donate plasma.

The blood of those who have recovered from the virus contains antibodies which can help others infected with Covid-19.

He was asked a series of questions over the phone to establish his suitability. After the usual drill — age, sex, ethnicity, etc — the lady on the other end said: ‘i hope you don’t mind, but i have to ask if you’ve had sex with another man during the past 30 days?’

My friend paused and said: ‘ Could you hang on while i consult my diary?’

They both laughed and she apologised again. not to worry, he reassured her, you’re only doing your job.

Then she said: ‘Just one more question. Are you undergoing gender reassignment treatment?’

There’s no answer to that, as eric Morecambe used to say. But there are, admittedly, good reasons why these questions are asked of potential donors.

Still, my friend was taken aback somewhat. Gender reassignment surgery? You can’t even get a haircut right now.