Biosafety Guidelines for Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
The following biosafety guidelines are available to assist laboratories in the safe handling of samples containing the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
World Health Organization
Assessment tool for laboratories implementing COVID-19 virus testing – Access the tool
Diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2, 11 September 2020
Guide to Local Production – WHO recommended Hand-rub formulations, PDF File – WHO Link
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
Infection prevention and control for the safe management of a dead body in the context of COVID-19: interim guidance 4 September 2020
Laboratory assessment tool for laboratories implementing SARS-CoV-2 testing, 23 October 2020
Laboratory biosafety guidance related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Interim guidance, 11 March 2024
Laboratory testing for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in suspected human cases, Interim guidance 19 March 2020
Mask use in the context of COVID-19, update 1 December 2020
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, Interim guidance 18 March 2020
Personal protective equipment (PPE) – How to put on and take off
Prevention, identification and management of health worker infection in the context of COVID-19, 30 October 2020
Rational use of personal protective equipment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and considerations during severe shortages, update 23 December 2020
Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Treatment Centre, Interim guidance 28 March 2020
Technical specifications of personal protective equipment for COVID-19, 13 November 2020
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions – Scientific Brief, 9 July 2020
Africa
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
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
Other Guidance and Resources
Biorisk management in laboratories handling SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) samples – AEBioS Poster
COVID-19: Proper Glove Removal – The “Beaking” Method
Overview of 12 facts about the COVID-19 virus in water, TU Delft | Global Drinking Water