The novel coronavirus belongs to the genus β. The novel coronavirus has an envelope with round or elliptical particles, often polymorphic, with a diameter of about 60-140 nm. current studies show that it is more than 85% homologous to the bat SARS-like coronavirus. Its genetic characteristics are distinctly different from SARSr-CoV and MERSr-CoV.
When isolated and cultured in vitro, it can be found in human respiratory epithelial cells in about 96 hours. The virus is sensitive to ultraviolet light and heat, and can be effectively inactivated by 56°C for 30 minutes, ether, 75% alcohol, chlorinated disinfectants, peroxyacetic acid and other lipid solvents, and chlorhexidine cannot effectively inactivate the virus.