Misclassifying SARS-CoV-2 Creates Confusion

'One of the most striking facts about the COVID-19 pandemic is the notable difference in approach, attitude, control measures, case incidence, and mortality rates between eastern and western hemispheres.' stated Juan Martínez Hernández, former general director of public health of the Community of Madrid, Spain.

The differences in approach and mortality could be explained, at least partially, if not totally, by the misclassification of the infectious agent risk. The WHO classifies microorganisms into four risk levels according to its biosafety manual.

And if Europe and other countries in the western hemisphere want to achieve an epidemiological trend similar to Asian countries, then SARS-CoV-2 should be considered an agent of maximum risk in all technical approaches, clinical settings, and social levels concluded Herandez in an article published by The Lancet on October 22, 2020.