#DidYouKnow: SARS-CoV-2 now a Risk Group 3 Pathogen

The Centre for Biosecurity has classified SARS-CoV-2 as a Risk Group 3 human pathogen.

Laboratories with a Risk Group 3 Pathogen and Toxin Licence issued under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act can obtain and work with samples of SARS-CoV-2 in a minimum Containment Level 3 facility. This licence is only required for laboratories where SARS-CoV-2 samples are intentionally handled, for example all in vitro and in vivo activities.

Primary specimens found in the natural environment are excluded from the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and associated regulations, and are therefore not regulated by the Public Health Agency of Canada. This includes specimens of SARS-CoV-2 collected directly from patients. Facilities are not obligated to comply with any requirements when conducting diagnostic and clinical activities with primary SARS-CoV-2-infected specimens. However, we recommend that all facilities meet a minimum of good microbiological laboratory practices for working with primary specimens.

Refer to SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2) for more information on:

•         the recommended clinical, diagnostic, and research handling of SARS-CoV-2 specimens
•         laboratory requirements
•         effective surface disinfectants

If your laboratory is seeking to expand to include SARS-CoV-2 work, contact the Centre for Biosecurity's licensing team at: licence.permis@phac-aspc.gc.ca.