Where does the phrase COVID-19 come from?

I posted this question on Facebook. Here are answers I received. To me this illustrates why Facebook is a very useful resource. Posting people’s responses by their initials.

8 Comments:

MO: Yes, WHO named it. What Does COVID-19 Stand For?

MO: The WHO press release announcing the name makes clear that a lot of thought went into choosing the name, they did want to stigmatize any geographic place or animal.

WHO Director-General’s remarks at the media briefing on 2019-nCoV on 11 February 2020

SLG: bc a few years ago WHO published guidelines for naming conventions specifically avoiding connection to geographic areas. I think it was 2017.

LPG: Yes. Stay safe! Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it

EM: “In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses.”

LL: Corona Virus Disease-19 (2019).

SK: This is why I love Facebook. Thanks to all who responded to this question.