Elsevier established a free COVID-19 resource center in January 2020, offering English and Mandarin information on the novel coronavirus. The center grants permission for free access to its research in PubMed Central and other repositories. The article reviews the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, detailing its origin, transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention. The virus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged from Wuhan, China, and spread globally, causing a pandemic. It is a beta-coronavirus, genetically similar to SARS-CoV. The outbreak has affected 66 countries, with over 80,000 confirmed cases in China as of March 2, 2020. The case fatality rate is lower than that of SARS and MERS. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, with potential for fecal-oral transmission. The virus can infect various animals, including bats, pangolins, and minks, with bats being the most likely natural reservoir. The incubation period is approximately 5-7 days, and symptoms range from mild to severe. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests, including nucleic acid detection. Treatment is primarily supportive, with no specific antiviral drugs available. Prevention includes quarantine, social distancing, and public health measures. The article highlights the importance of understanding the virus's origin, transmission, and pathogenesis to control the outbreak. Challenges remain in identifying the source and transmission routes, and further research is needed to develop effective treatments and vaccines. The global response has focused on containment, infection control, and public health measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.Elsevier established a free COVID-19 resource center in January 2020, offering English and Mandarin information on the novel coronavirus. The center grants permission for free access to its research in PubMed Central and other repositories. The article reviews the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, detailing its origin, transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention. The virus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged from Wuhan, China, and spread globally, causing a pandemic. It is a beta-coronavirus, genetically similar to SARS-CoV. The outbreak has affected 66 countries, with over 80,000 confirmed cases in China as of March 2, 2020. The case fatality rate is lower than that of SARS and MERS. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, with potential for fecal-oral transmission. The virus can infect various animals, including bats, pangolins, and minks, with bats being the most likely natural reservoir. The incubation period is approximately 5-7 days, and symptoms range from mild to severe. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests, including nucleic acid detection. Treatment is primarily supportive, with no specific antiviral drugs available. Prevention includes quarantine, social distancing, and public health measures. The article highlights the importance of understanding the virus's origin, transmission, and pathogenesis to control the outbreak. Challenges remain in identifying the source and transmission routes, and further research is needed to develop effective treatments and vaccines. The global response has focused on containment, infection control, and public health measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.