The World Health Organization (WHO) Assigns Codename for the Novel Coronavirus

Previously referred to as 2019-nCoV, the infectious disease caused by the Novel Coronavirus identified in December 2019 has now been assigned the name “COVID-19” by the WHO, to include all forms of the disease from mild to severe. As of February 14, 2020, approximately 67,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed globally and 15 cases have been confirmed in the United States. The AATB has published on January 31 a Guidance to Tissue Bank Medical Directors prepared by the AATB Physicians Council. Considering the latest developments and data relating to the COVID-19 outbreak, the recommendations provided in the Guidance remain valid as of the date of this Bulletin. We continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to inform our members about any new developments with potential impact on tissue banking. For additional information, contact Dr. Roman Hitchev, AATB VP & Chief Science Officer at hitchevr@aatb.org