Coronaviruses have been around for centuries and circulate constantly in humans and animals. Three coronaviruses cause severe disease in humans, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the latter causing COVID-19 and affecting the whole world. Human coronaviruses can cause a range of health issues including asymptomatic to mild illness to critical disease and death. Most recently, advanced technologies and extensive research caused by the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for a better understanding of the nature of coronaviruses and the development of vaccines and treatments. Viral mutation dynamics means that coronaviruses continue to adapt and evade the immune response.

This conference addressed the clinical features of MERS and COVID-19 as a point of comparison. Factors such as viral evolution and the host response, metagenomics, vaccinations, anti-viral therapies and the future evolution and discovery of new coronaviruses were discussed. The objectives of the conference were to address these topics as well as present an opportunity for the participants to exchange data, ideas, and practices in this field.