Commercial Fixed Wing
Confusion; Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
The Ramp Lead was proactive; and called me as he was initially planning the flight. He advised me that it was extremely unlikely that we would get 15 bags for this flight; as there were only 4 passengers checked in for it. We agreed that we would have to hold off DSTG Item 2; a 2 piece Quickpak shipment classified as UN3373 Biologicals. I told him there was no problem with DSTG Item 1; which was SLS code LHO (live human organ / blood); which doesn't have the 15 bag requirement. I held off item 2; using the OTH (Other) code. I advised the ramp lead to let me know if he somehow got 15 bags for the flight; and I'd remove the holdoff on the item. I also advised the ramp lead to let his cargo people know about the holdoff; as the item could likely go on a later flight; as they don't have the 15 bag limit for UN3373 items. I later looked at the flight schedule ZZZ-ZZZ1. Aircraft X is operated by Airline X; which does not accept UN3373. Aircraft Y at XA:20am is operated by Airline Y; which does accept UN3373; so the item should be able to move on that flight. There are no more company Mainline flights today ZZZ-ZZZ1.Aircraft X closed out with only 2 bags; so we weren't able to move Item 2. The Ramp Lead and I correctly followed the 15 bag limit SOP for UN3373.My safety concern is related to the light passenger and bag loads during this time of a National Health Emergency. My concern is about the 15 bag limit and holding off Quickpaks. I know it has been happening frequently; although this is the first flight of today where I've noted it.My biggest concern comes from my previous work on the ramp. I know that many of these Quickpaks come from [two different labs]. They're going from smaller or medium sized cities to larger; more specialized labs in larger cities. I also know that [two labs] are now doing Coronavirus testing. I really don't want to see these shipments delayed with patients having to wait for diagnoses. Perhaps cargo has already addressed this and I'm not aware of it. I fully support safely carrying properly secured dangerous goods. However; these items have limited risk of spillage; and really need to move during this critical time.
Ramp personnel reported concern regarding unnecessary delays regarding Hazmat (Biologicals/Blood) cargo from Coronavirus Testing. This cargo has a limited risk of spillage.