What is COVID 19 ? COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread globally, becoming a pandemic. The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the virus can lead to more severe illnesses such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and death. The virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be contracted by touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes. Governments and health organizations around the world have taken measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns, social distancing guidelines, and travel restrictions. Vaccination efforts have also been initiated as a means of reduci