This is quite the thread, and I pretty much have to bite this bullet, with some caveats. I guess the combined with an expectation that everyone involved has vaccines available + treatments + tests + PPE + possible immunity etc -> covid should be considered BSL2 now
I mean, BSL2 is still nothing to screw around in.
> BSL-2 labs include ‘biosafety cabinets’ with HEPA filtration, where experiments are performed, providing lab researchers protection from infectious agents, according to the biosafety manuals of the CDC and Boston University. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection as well as decontaminating procedures, are standard.
That *does* sound like enough to stop 99% or more of covid transmission, however, and I have to accept that if we did that consistently across the board we would probably be out of this pandemic, given what I've seen with people who consistently wear n95s
@MoriartyLab
npub19at9vdsa2dsk9p4ux52fhgyy4nfumg79y58qejzud77dl2jfswuscrzjw5 (npub19at…zjw5)
> Agree
@EckerleIsabella
>> Downgrading #SARSCoV2 to BSL-2 is a reasonable choice in my view for all Omicron viruses. I would probably not do it for pre-Omicron VOCs, as in a few years time from now, all immunity will be only Omicron-based. Similar approach like for seasonal flu would make sense here.
> I haven't been on Twitter since this morning when I quote-tweeted
@EckerleIsabella agreeing that changing SARS-COV-2 to BSL-2 may be reasonable.
> This classification is not just about transmission route. It's also about availability of tests, prevention, treatment.
> What's important to remember is that this designation is for labs.
> For example, my lab works with BSL2 human pathogens. All work is done in a biosafety cabinet. We can't use central vacuum lines. Our centrifuge tubes and rotors have seals to prevent escape of aerosols.
> We gown, wear N95s etc.
> This is for a pathogen that is only transmitted by sharps or tick bite... a wussy pathogen that doesn't survive outside host, readily disinfected and no antibiotic resistance.
> If we work with anything more than small amounts of pathogen we need additional personal, admin equipment protections/measures AND special permission. Even if the pathogen is still classed as BSL2.
> I think a lot of people who don't work in a BSL2 or BSL3 lab or write the biosafety protocols may not be familiar with the basis for these classifications.
> For example, HIV is BSL2 in many countries. So is measles.
https://twitter.com/MoriartyLab/status/1768446964121649547
Jeff "never puts away anything, especially oven mitts" Cliff, Bringer of Nightmares 🦝🐙🇱🇧🧯 /
npub1um…gd244
2024-03-15 01:41:34
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"content": "This is quite the thread, and I pretty much have to bite this bullet, with some caveats. I guess the combined with an expectation that everyone involved has vaccines available + treatments + tests + PPE + possible immunity etc -\u003e covid should be considered BSL2 now\n\nI mean, BSL2 is still nothing to screw around in. \n\n\u003e BSL-2 labs include ‘biosafety cabinets’ with HEPA filtration, where experiments are performed, providing lab researchers protection from infectious agents, according to the biosafety manuals of the CDC and Boston University. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection as well as decontaminating procedures, are standard.\n\nThat *does* sound like enough to stop 99% or more of covid transmission, however, and I have to accept that if we did that consistently across the board we would probably be out of this pandemic, given what I've seen with people who consistently wear n95s \n\n@MoriartyLab\nnostr:npub19at9vdsa2dsk9p4ux52fhgyy4nfumg79y58qejzud77dl2jfswuscrzjw5 \n\u003e Agree \n@EckerleIsabella\n\u003e\u003e Downgrading #SARSCoV2 to BSL-2 is a reasonable choice in my view for all Omicron viruses. I would probably not do it for pre-Omicron VOCs, as in a few years time from now, all immunity will be only Omicron-based. Similar approach like for seasonal flu would make sense here.\n\u003e I haven't been on Twitter since this morning when I quote-tweeted \n@EckerleIsabella agreeing that changing SARS-COV-2 to BSL-2 may be reasonable.\n\u003e This classification is not just about transmission route. It's also about availability of tests, prevention, treatment.\n\u003e What's important to remember is that this designation is for labs.\n\u003e For example, my lab works with BSL2 human pathogens. All work is done in a biosafety cabinet. We can't use central vacuum lines. Our centrifuge tubes and rotors have seals to prevent escape of aerosols.\n\u003e We gown, wear N95s etc.\n\u003e This is for a pathogen that is only transmitted by sharps or tick bite... a wussy pathogen that doesn't survive outside host, readily disinfected and no antibiotic resistance.\n\u003e If we work with anything more than small amounts of pathogen we need additional personal, admin equipment protections/measures AND special permission. Even if the pathogen is still classed as BSL2.\n\u003e I think a lot of people who don't work in a BSL2 or BSL3 lab or write the biosafety protocols may not be familiar with the basis for these classifications. \n\u003e For example, HIV is BSL2 in many countries. So is measles.\nhttps://twitter.com/MoriartyLab/status/1768446964121649547",
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