The following biosafety guidelines are available to assist laboratories in the safe handling of samples containing the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

World Health Organization

Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19

Assessment tool for laboratories implementing COVID-19 virus testing  Access the tool

Emerging respiratory viruses, including nCoV: methods for detection, prevention, response and control

Guide to Local Production – WHO recommended Hand-rub formulations

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Infection prevention and control during health care when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected, Interim guidance (19 March 2020)

Laboratory biosafety guidance related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) update (13 May 2020)

Laboratory testing for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in suspected human cases, Interim guidance

Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) and the virus that causes it (SARS-CoV-2)

Operational considerations for managing COVID-19 cases or outbreak in aviation

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – How to put on and take off

Rational use of personal protective equipment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Treatment Centre

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions

Africa

Africa CDC COVID-19 Resources

ECDC

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the context of COVID-19, 22 June 2020

Infection prevention and control for COVID-19 in healthcare settings, March 2020

Interpol

COVID-19 Pandemic Guidelines for Law enforcement

Public Health Agency of Canada

Novel Coronavirus from Wuhan, China (2019-nCoV) Biosafety Advisory

Sandia

The Global Chemical and Biological Security Group (GCBS) at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has developed a library of mini-courses designed to support biological threat reduction efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Mini-courses targeted for personnel working in or supporting clinical, diagnostic, or research laboratories in which samples or specimens potentially containing SARS-CoV-2 may be received, manipulated, stored, or disposed.

Singapore

Interim Biosafety Guidelines for Laboratories and Personnel Handling Samples or Materials Associated with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

United Kingdom

Handling and processing of laboratory specimens, Guidance – Wuhan novel coronavirus

Packaging requirements for COVID-19 samples

Suspected COVID-19 cases – samples and packaging

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning in Healthcare Facilities in Resource Limited Settings

Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Patients Under Investigation (PUIs) for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Other Guidance and Resources

COVID-19: Proper Glove Removal – The “Beaking” Method