Covid-19's name explained in 200 words

PTI's Zartaj Gul claimed Covid-19 virus has 19 points that can be applied to different countries

After Climate Change Minister Zartaj Gul purported that Covid-19 means that the virus has 19 points that can be applied to countries based on respective immunity levels, The Express Tribune looked to put such claims to rest once and for all.

In Covid-19, 19 refers to 19 points that can apply to any country, according to Zartaj gul 🤦#Zartajgul pic.twitter.com/B4tSsvwSJQ

— Muhammad Ehsan Ullah (@MuhammadEhsanU8) June 20, 2020

What does it stand for?

Covid-19 is an acronym for coronavirus disease 2019 that was given by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the disease caused by  coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Viruses and the diseases they cause have different names like Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus.

When and who named it?

The disease was named on February 11, after fulfilling the guidelines of the WHO, the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.


Why was it given this name?

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the name was chosen on the basis of it not referring to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease.

"Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatising. It also gives us a standard format to use for any future coronavirus outbreaks," he added.