“The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), which causes COVID-19, is part of a large family of coronaviruses. These viruses are named for the “crown” of spikes on the virus particle’s spherical surface, which help the virus attach to cells and infect them.

Coronaviruses are found in humans and in other animal species, including bats, cats, and livestock. Some coronaviruses found in animals can evolve and infect people. Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people, including diseases that are transmitted by viruses, are called zoonotic diseases.

Common coronaviruses can cause mild illness, but other coronaviruses—including MERS-CoV, which causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), SARS-CoV, which causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 and this can be fatal.”

American Museum of Natural History (https://www.amnh.org/explore/covid-19-science)