The novel coronavirus is the seventh coronavirus known to be able to infect humans, and its systematic classification belongs to the β genus of SARS-associated coronaviruses in the subfamily Coronaviridae of the order Arboviridae. The novel coronavirus belongs to the genus β. It has an envelope, round or oval particles, and a diameter of 60-140 nm. It has five essential genes targeting four structural proteins, namely nucleoprotein, viral envelope, matrix protein, and spikelin, as well as an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The genome of the new coronavirus is subject to mutation. Currently, there are five “mutant strains of concern” identified by the World Health Organization: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. Novel coronavirus causes novel coronavirus pneumonia, which is characterized by fever, dry cough, and malaise. In a few patients, it is accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, myalgia, and diarrhea. Severe patients tend to develop respiratory distress and/or hypoxemia one week after the onset of the disease, and in severe cases, the disease may rapidly progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure. During the epidemic period, personal protection, self-health monitoring, and early vaccination with the new coronary vaccine without contraindications should be done. Tip: The “new coronavirus pneumonia” mentioned in this article has been renamed to “new coronavirus infection” on December 26, 2022, as announced by the National Health Commission.