# COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 characteristics

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260922-covid-19-pandemic-and-sars-cov-2-characteristics
> Updated: 2026-09-22T09:46:21.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, began in January 2020. Symptoms range from fever, fatigue, and cough to breathing difficulties and loss of taste or smell. While approximately one-third of infected individuals are asymptomatic, others experience mild to moderate, severe, or critical symptoms such as respiratory failure or shock.

Older populations are at a higher risk for severe illness, and some patients suffer from long-term effects known as ‘long COVID’. Transmission occurs through respiratory particles, particularly in close proximity or indoors, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. Diagnostic testing typically utilizes methods such as RT-PCR or RT-LAMP via nasopharyngeal swabs.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a contagious disease that triggered a global pandemic in early 2020, characterized by varying symptoms and risks of long-term health complications.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/covid-19-and-the-sars-cov-2-virus-5

### 2026-09-18: COVID-19 pandemic overview and SARS-CoV-2 characteristics

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, triggered a global pandemic in early 2020. Symptoms vary from mild to critical, with many infected individuals remaining asymptomatic or contagious for up to 20 days.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/covid-19-pandemic-overview-and-sars-cov-2-characteristics-1

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Cite as: COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 characteristics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260922-covid-19-pandemic-and-sars-cov-2-characteristics