What differentiates the previous epidemiological distribution of SARS- CoV-1 and MERS-CoV to the current SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 transmits more readily than either SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV. The R0 of SARS-CoV-2 is controversial but if left unchecked it is likely to be greater than 3-4. However, the R0 number cannot be precisely defined as no country has left it to spread completely unchecked. In any case, even when preventative measures are taken, the R0 of SARS-CoV-2 is higher than that of SARS-CoV (1.7-1.9) and MERS-CoV (<1).215 There is a considerable frequency of very mild COVID-19 patients as well as asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected people. This makes transmission control more challenging than either SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV, where illness is frequently more severe.