General biosafety measures for laboratory environments, outpatient clinics, medical centers, and veterinary hospitals during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to guide professionals working in veterinary laboratories, outpatient clinics, medical centers, and hospitals regarding the biosafety measures that should be adopted during the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. While the population is not yet fully immunized by vaccines, the adoption of biosafety measures is essential to control the spread of circulating strains of the new coronavirus. Thus, the importance of professionals and collaborators following biosafety guidelines in different veterinary work environments is highlighted. The main protocols on biosafety to be adopted include frequent handwashing with water and soap or using 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizers, using personal protective equipment (PPE) (including gloves, lab coat, face mask), avoiding the contact of the hands with mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth), not sharing personal objects, keeping environments clean and well ventilated, social distancing of 1.5 m between individuals, and maintaining objects and surfaces regularly clean throughout the work environment. The transformation of work processes, such as various biosafety practices, is necessary within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and improves the safety of professionals in their work environment and other people and animals, decreasing contamination risks in order to reduce the spread of this viral agent.