The WHO names the new coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease COVID-19. The name was chosen because the virus is genetically related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003.  While related, the two viruses are different. Viruses, and the diseases they cause, often have different names. 

Viruses are named based on their genetic structure to facilitate the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines. Diseases are named to enable discussion on disease prevention, spread, transmissibility, severity and treatment.