Question: Do I need to decontaminate the work area after packaging SARS-CoV-2 specimens?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Handling
What disinfectant should personnel use to decontaminate work surfaces?
section_content: Decontaminate work surfaces and equipment with appropriate disinfectants. Use
EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with label claims to be effective
against SARS-CoV-2external icon. Follow
manufacturer’s recommendations for use, such as dilution, contact time, and
safe handling.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This answer answers the question directly and concisely. However, could provide further information, such as external links for recommended future reading.
This is a very direct and short answer but it does respond directly to what the question is asking. Could use more information but it does have a relevant link

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Packing and Shipping
Once packaging of the samples is complete should staff members decontaminate the work area?
section_content: Decontaminate work surfaces and equipment with appropriate disinfectants. Use
EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with label claims to be effective
against SARS-CoV-2external icon. Follow
manufacturer’s recommendations for use, such as dilution, contact time, and
safe handling.
For additional information, refer to the following:

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings
Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Responds directly to the question by providing information on how to decontaminate work surfaces. Provides additional links for further information.
This is a good answer that directly answers the question. There are links to additional information that also seems relevant

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Handling
How should laboratory personnel remove biohazardous waste from the laboratory or testing area for decontamination and disposal?
section_content: Handle laboratory waste from testing suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient
specimens as all other biohazardous waste in the laboratory. Currently, there
is no evidence to suggest that this laboratory waste needs additional
packaging or disinfection procedures.
For additional information, refer to the following:

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) (5th edition)


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Does not answer the question relating to if decontamination of the work area is necessary or not. Instead, it discusses how to handle laboratory waste materials or specimens.
This talks about the packaging itself but not the work area. I don't feel like this really answers the question at all so it's not great

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Could be Improved