The novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, is the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that began in late 2019. COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness that primarily spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes.

The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), organ failure, and, in some instances, death.

The virus was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It quickly spread to other parts of China and subsequently to numerous countries around the world, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic on March 11, 2020.

To control the spread of the virus, various measures have been implemented globally, including social distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene, travel restrictions, quarantine and isolation protocols, and vaccination campaigns. Vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use in many countries, providing protection against severe illness and reducing the transmission of the virus.

It's important to note that information regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 continues to evolve as scientists and researchers learn more about the virus and its effects. It's crucial to rely on reputable sources such as the WHO and national health agencies for the most up-to-date and accurate information.