Testing sites that operate a POC diagnostic instrument must have a current Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) certificate. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will permit a laboratory to extend its existing Certificate of Waiver to operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site in an off-site location (e.g., long-term care or correctional facilities). The temporary COVID-19 testing site is only permitted to perform waived tests, consistent with the laboratory’s existing CLIA certificate, and must be under the direction of the existing laboratory director. Laboratories should consider the following when using POC instruments for COVID-19 diagnostic purposes: Use the instrument in a location that has a current CLIA certificate. Perform a site-specific and activity-specific risk assessment to identify and mitigate safety risks. Train staff on the proper use of the instrument and ways to minimize their risk of exposure. Follow Standard Precautions when handling clinical specimens, including hand hygiene and the use of PPE, such as laboratory coats or gowns, gloves, and eye protection. If needed, additional precautions can be used, such as a surgical mask or face shield, or other physical barriers, such as a splash shield to work behind. When using patient swabs, minimize contamination of the swab stick and wrapper by widely opening the wrapper before placing the swab back into the wrapper. Change gloves after adding patient specimens to the instrument. Decontaminate the instrument after each run by using an EPA-approved disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2 and following the manufacturer’s recommendations for use, including dilution, contact time, and safe handling. For additional information, refer to: Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Fact Sheet: Guidance – Proposed Use of Point-of-Care (POC) Testing Platforms for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)