Elsevier established a free COVID-19 resource center in January 2020, offering English and Mandarin information on the virus. The center is hosted on Elsevier Connect, and Elsevier grants permission for free access to its research in PubMed Central and other repositories. The article discusses treatment options for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19, including inhaled nitric oxide, esophageal balloon measurement, fluid management, antibiotics, avoidance of glucocorticoids, high-dose vitamin C, and ECMO use. It emphasizes the importance of learning from treated patients to understand the disease's epidemiology and new treatments. The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization maintains a registry of patients treated with ECMO for COVID-19. The article also addresses the rational use of face masks during the pandemic. While face masks are recommended for symptomatic individuals and healthcare workers, their use by the general public is discouraged to conserve supplies. However, face masks may help reduce community transmission, especially for asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals. Countries have implemented measures to prioritize local mask production and distribution, while some have banned mask exports. Improper mask use can reduce their effectiveness, and cultural differences in mask usage can lead to stigma. The WHO recommends masks for those with respiratory symptoms or caring for symptomatic individuals. Universal mask use could be considered if supplies allow, with research needed on mask durability and reusability. The article also questions whether chronic respiratory diseases or their treatments affect the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It notes that COVID-19 can lead to respiratory failure and death, and previous coronavirus outbreaks, such as SARS, have occurred. The study highlights the ongoing challenge of treating severe ARDS from COVID-19 and the need for further research and coordinated efforts to understand the disease and its treatments.Elsevier established a free COVID-19 resource center in January 2020, offering English and Mandarin information on the virus. The center is hosted on Elsevier Connect, and Elsevier grants permission for free access to its research in PubMed Central and other repositories. The article discusses treatment options for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19, including inhaled nitric oxide, esophageal balloon measurement, fluid management, antibiotics, avoidance of glucocorticoids, high-dose vitamin C, and ECMO use. It emphasizes the importance of learning from treated patients to understand the disease's epidemiology and new treatments. The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization maintains a registry of patients treated with ECMO for COVID-19. The article also addresses the rational use of face masks during the pandemic. While face masks are recommended for symptomatic individuals and healthcare workers, their use by the general public is discouraged to conserve supplies. However, face masks may help reduce community transmission, especially for asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals. Countries have implemented measures to prioritize local mask production and distribution, while some have banned mask exports. Improper mask use can reduce their effectiveness, and cultural differences in mask usage can lead to stigma. The WHO recommends masks for those with respiratory symptoms or caring for symptomatic individuals. Universal mask use could be considered if supplies allow, with research needed on mask durability and reusability. The article also questions whether chronic respiratory diseases or their treatments affect the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It notes that COVID-19 can lead to respiratory failure and death, and previous coronavirus outbreaks, such as SARS, have occurred. The study highlights the ongoing challenge of treating severe ARDS from COVID-19 and the need for further research and coordinated efforts to understand the disease and its treatments.