In March 2020, the Emerging Infectious Diseases Committee (EIDC, then a task force) spearheaded the compilation of scientific and non-scientific resources into the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Toolbox. Since then, the Committee has been busy adding resources, updating guidance provided primarily by US CDC and OSHA, and the WHO. But we don’t stop there, members of the EIDC have generated documents including risk assessment considerations for handling COVID-19 related samples in the laboratory setting and for holding community events. Towards the end of 2020, the Committee requested feedback from the ABSA International members and friends on ways to improve the toolbox. After working closely with the ABSA Office and the webmaster, the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 toolbox has a new interface including enhanced search capabilities (search box, tagging document type, etc), organization of topics, and removal of broken links. Resources that have been superseded by newer guidance, or early news clips have been moved to an Archived Resources section.
The Infographic for Considerations on Handling samples in the lab was recently updated and the English and Spanish versions are available for download. The updates include handling products such as synthetic nucleic acids and viral vectors, and the use of SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory animals. [To find the infographic quickly, type “Considerations” in the search box]
We are strong supporters of strategic biorisk management, thus brainstormed along with the experts in this standard to provide examples on how the elements of the ISO 35001:2019 could be applied to entities dealing with COVID-19 related samples. [Filter by checking ABSA in the organization list]
Did you know that some of the earlier guidance issued by US OSHA is now superseded by the 29 Jan 2021 guidance Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace? [Filter by checking OSHA in the organization list].
We look forward to your continued feedback.
ABSA International EIDC
