An update on the origin of SARS-CoV-2: Despite closest identity, bat (RaTG13) and pangolin derived coronaviruses varied in the critical binding site and O-linked glycan residues.

The initial cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and swept the world by 23 June 2020 with 8 993 659 active cases, 469 587 deaths across 216 countries, areas or territories. This strongly implies global transmission occurred before the lockdown of China. However, the initial source's transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 remain obscure and controversial.