Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus responsible for the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It is a disease-causing human pathogen. It is vital that laboratories performing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests and related laboratory procedures, including point-of-care testing, adhere to the standard biosafety practices and procedures and comply to the national guidelines as part of laboratory biorisk management.

At a minimum, laboratory must enforce compliance with the guidelines and core requirements (Annex 1) stated in the latest WHO Laboratory Biosafety Guidance related to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Interim Guidance 13 May 2020 and the applicable mitigation control measures based on risk assessment as specified in RITM Biorisk Management Office Interim Biosafety Guidelines for Laboratories Handling and Testing SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) Specimen Version 2 March 15, 2020. These two documents must be consulted to provide the best decision on the most appropriate mitigation based on specific local situation.