COVID-19 Pandemic: A Concise Appraisal of the Current Status

Abstract

Covid-19 is caused by the Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) which is an enveloped RNA virus causing diseases in both humans and animals. This research involved a systematic review with the aid of computerised literature search from PubMed, Scopus, Medline, ScienceDirect, Embase and Google Scholar and other recently published editorials. Specific words/phrases used for the search included COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccines development, SARS-CoV-2 and COVAX.The rapid velocity by which the virus spreads, based on its unexpectedly high infectivity, requires urgent action towards both the development of a vaccine and effective viral inhibitors to decrease the virulence or eliminate symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused marked effect on global health and the economy worldwide being that it is shrouded in numerous uncertainties as scientist worldwide are yet to fully understand the virus. Although significant progress have been recorded by scientists, new information of the virus keeps emerging especially with the emergence of new variants and the capability of the virus to infect a multitude organ types apart from the respiratory tract. Consequently, there is a need for scientists all over the world to be constantly updated with recent information evolving from current research. This review is a concise appraisal of the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic across various regions of the world.