Yichi Zhang, An Nguyen, Magnus Chun, Zhen Lin, Joseph Ross and Lichun Sun
A local COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China during early December 2019 has quickly evolved into a global pandemic over a three-month period. Preliminary transmission data on SARS-CoV-2 has been collected and processed by multiple hospitals and research institutions. The current standard protocol for diagnosis is through RT-PCR, but clinicians are pushing to establish guidelines for diagnosis via high resolution CT (HRCT). Initial prevention protocols have also been established in affected countries to curb the accelerated spread. The current treatment for COVID-19 includes mostly general supportive therapy, as clinical trials continue for potential anti-virals such as Remdisivir and other specific therapies like CRISPRCas13d. Molecular and genetics research into SARS-CoV-2 has revealed several key regions of therapeutic interest, such as the RRAR motif at the S1/S2 border, or preventing the homologous formation of 6-HB which may ultimately contribute to the creation of a vaccine. It is also important to discuss the non-medical impacts of COVID-19 as the world goes into high alert. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of knowledge gained during the first ninety days of the COVID-19 pandemic and hopefully illuminate a collaborative path moving forward.
