The Coronavirus (COVID-19) clinical samples are a "Category B" material for transportation, defined as an infectious substance that is not in a form generally capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals when exposure to it occurs. COVID-19 contaminated waste or reusable material derived from the medical treatment of COVID-19 patients is considered regulated medical waste.

PHMSA's PowerPoint presentation provides a quick reference for medical facilities, clinical laboratories and hazardous waste carriers to safely package and transport COVID-19 specimens, cultures, isolates and medical waste.

Handling and Disposing of COVID-19

Please see important CDC guidance for handling and disposing of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 clinical samples and waste:

Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings

Interim Guidance for Collection and Submission of Postmortem Specimens from Deceased Persons Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19, February 2020

Guidance on Workplace Safety

For guidance on workplace safety see:

OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 and Additional Resources.

Staying Informed

Because the current COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly evolving, please continue to monitor important public health and response updates at:

• CDC Website
• Coronavirus.gov
• FEMA Website