SARS-CoV-2, also known as the novel coronavirus, is a type of virus that causes the respiratory illness COVID-19. The virus was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China, and has since spread to become a global pandemic.COVID-19 primarily spreads through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. These droplets can be inhaled by others who are in close proximity to the infected person or they can land on surfaces and objects, which can then be touched by others who can get infected by touching their face.Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, and loss of taste or smell. Some individuals may also experience more severe symptoms such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can lead to hospitalization and death.To prevent the transmission of the virus, public health measures such as wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and following quarantine or isolation guidelines have been implemented in many countries. Vaccines have also been developed and are being administered to help control the spread of the virus and reduce the severity of the illness.It is important to note that COVID-19 can affect individuals differently, with some people experiencing no symptoms at all (asymptomatic) or mild symptoms, while others may develop severe or even life-threatening complications. It is also important to stay informed about the latest guidelines and research related to COVID-19 from reliable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).