The Novel Coronavirus SARS Cov-2 and its evolving impact on Ophthalmic Practice

Abstract

SARS-Cov-2 is a novel coronavirus that is believed to have emerged from the wet markets in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China late in December 2019. The spread of this virus was soon declared to be a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, with nearly 1 million cases reported worldwide by 31st March 2020 [1]. Those who contract the virus can go on to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – with symptoms commonly presenting as fever, dry cough and associated fatigue [2]. These symptoms can progress to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement [3]. The high risk of mortality and morbidity of this illness has resulted in worldwide awareness and control campaigns, resulting in varying levels of movement restriction and containment measures implemented to reduce the rate of transmission of SARS-Cov-2.