The outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) as of March 11, 2020. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of COVID-19, including virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutics. SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the β-CoVs family, with a genome size of 29.9 kb and a high sequence identity to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and contact transmission, with a mean incubation period of 5.2 days and a basic reproduction number (R0) of 2.2. The most common factors behind COVID-19 mortality are older age and underlying diseases. The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is similar to that of SARS and MERS, with massive mucus secretion in critical patients. There are currently no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available, and the most urgent task is to develop more interventions for effective control. The review also discusses potential therapeutics, such as Type I IFNs, antiviral compounds, convalescent plasma, and protective monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, it highlights the importance of blocking the binding of the S protein to ACE2 for treatment. Traditional Chinese medicines and vaccine development are also mentioned as potential strategies.The outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) as of March 11, 2020. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of COVID-19, including virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutics. SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the β-CoVs family, with a genome size of 29.9 kb and a high sequence identity to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and contact transmission, with a mean incubation period of 5.2 days and a basic reproduction number (R0) of 2.2. The most common factors behind COVID-19 mortality are older age and underlying diseases. The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is similar to that of SARS and MERS, with massive mucus secretion in critical patients. There are currently no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available, and the most urgent task is to develop more interventions for effective control. The review also discusses potential therapeutics, such as Type I IFNs, antiviral compounds, convalescent plasma, and protective monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, it highlights the importance of blocking the binding of the S protein to ACE2 for treatment. Traditional Chinese medicines and vaccine development are also mentioned as potential strategies.