Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

SARS-CoV-2, also known as 2019-nCoV, is a β Coronavirus of the group 2B with at least 70% similarity in genetic sequence to SARS-CoV. SARS-CoV-2 is a Coronavirus responsible for causing the outbreak of Coronavirus disease first detected in December 2019 (COVID-19).

Serial passage in 5-6 week old mice. In vitro propagation in Vero cells.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. Analysis of the genetic tree of the SARS-CoV-2 indicated it originated in bats, but whether the virus jumped directly from bats or whether there was an intermediary animal host is not, yet, known.

Inhalation and contact with contaminated surfaces. Person-to-person happens among close contacts (about 6 feet), spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Illnesses have ranged from people with mild symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include but are not limited to fever, cough, shortness of breath.

The human infectious dose of SARS-CoV-2 is unknown. Based on non-human primate research, the best estimate of the human infectious dose via the inhalation route is 36-179 viral particles.

2-14 days.

Currently recommneded COVID-19 vaccines in the US are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax. 

Prophylaxis consisting of a monoclonal antibody cocktail specific for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has been authorized in some jurisdictions for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who may not respond adequately to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and for individuals for whom such vaccines are contraindicated.

Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR for use with upper and lower respiratory specimens.

Treatment may include the antiviral remdesivir, oxygen therapy, airway management, steroids, and the management of septic shock, depending on disease severity, in addition to the management of co-infection.

COVID-19 is a reportable disease in the USA.

Report any accidents/exposures.

No LAIs have been reported for SARS-CoV-2. However, four LAIs have been reported for SARS-CoV.

SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in upper and lower respiratory tract specimens, blood, stool.

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 6th Edition

https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/index.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-2.html

Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Working with SARS-CoV-2

Processing of human samples potentially infected with SARS-CoV-2; research activities with SARS-CoV-2 associated specimens (non-viral/non-culture work)

Laboratory/Animal containment level for viral or culture work: BSL2/ABSL2 with enhanced practices.

BSL2+/ABSL2+ means level 2 containment with level 3 practices. N95 is required.

Notify others working in the lab. Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE. Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply an EPA approved disinfectant, working from the perimeter towards the center. Allow 30 minutes of contact time before disposal and cleanup of spill materials.

Contain the spill, notify and evacuate others in the area, then contact Emory’s Biosafety Officer (404-357-1821) or the EHSO Spill Response Team (404-727-2888).

Flush eyes, mouth or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.

Wash area with soap and water for 15 minutes.

Immediately report incident to supervisor. Accidents/Exposures are reported in H.O.M.E. via Self-Service portal. Emory HR website > Self-Service > Workplace Health> Report

Routine cleaning and disinfection procedures using EPA-registered disinfectants is appropriate, including 10% bleach. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for use – dilution (i.e., concentration), contact time, and care in handling.

Suspected to be inactivated by heat (60°C for 30 minutes) and UV radiation (60 minutes).

It is not known how long the SARS-CoV-2 survives on surfaces, preliminary information suggests the virus may survive a few hours or more on dry inanimate surfaces.