Comparing the genetic sequence of COVID-19 and other virus samples have proven that COVID-19 is similar to SARS-CoV .
The virus is thought to have an animal origin origin , and comparisons of the genetic sequences of this virus and other virus samples have shown similarities to SARS-CoV ( 79.5 % ) and bat coronaviruses ( 96 % ) which makes an ultimate origin in bats likely , although an intermediate reservoir such as a pangolin is thought to be involved .
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2