On December 20, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its laboratory biosafety guidelines for working with SARS-CoV-2. The CDC now recommends that work with SARS-CoV-2 be conducted at a minimum of biosafety level 2 (BSL-2). At a minimum, ABSL-2 is recommended for work with these viruses in animal models. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) similarly rescinded the interim risk group classification of Risk Group 3 for SARS-CoV-2. In the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines), other than SARS-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), which are specifically listed as RG3 agents in Appendix B-III-D, all other coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are classified under the existing RG2 category for Coronaviruses in Appendix B-II-D.
Work with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 at The University of Iowa requires review and approval from the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Work with SARS-CoV-2 in animal models requires approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Additionally, the EHS biosafety office may conduct laboratory inspections for non-established BSL2 laboratories wanting to initiate research with SARS-CoV-2.
Questions regarding the updated biosafety guidelines for work with SARS-CoV-2 can be directed to the Biosafety Officer, Nyree Mortensen, 319-353-5679.