Illustration of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (previously 2019-nCoV) particles that was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It is an enveloped RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus. Within the membrane are spike proteins, whose crown-like appearance gives coronaviruses their name. SARS-CoV-2 causes the respiratory infection Covid-19, which can lead to fatal pneumonia. As of the 23rd March 2020, over 300, 000 have been infected worldwide with over 14, 500 deaths. Movement restrictions and infection control measures have been put in place to slow the spread of the virus. |