1 Characteristics of Coronavirus Pathogens

The coronavirus subfamilies are categorized into four genera: α, β,γ, and δ. Coupled with this newly discovered coronavirus, seven types of coronaviruses are known to infect humans. Most coronaviruses cause upper respiratory tract infections, but Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus(MERSr-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus(SARSr-CoV)and novel coronavirus 2019(2019-nCoV)can cause mild and even severe pneumonia, and can be transmitted from person to person.

Coronaviruses are sensitive to ultraviolet rays and heat, and can be effectively inactivated by a majority of disinfectants except chlorhexidine.Therefore, hand sanitizers containing chlorhexidine are not recommended for use here.