Christmas card showing a stylised green coronavirus

Christmas card showing an illustration of a stylised green coronavirus including a crown, with the words "Ho Ho Oh", illustrated by Holly St Clair, sold by Wrap Magazine, 2020

A coronavirus is named after the crown-like spikes on their surfaces. Corona is Latin for crown. Inspired by the shape of coronavirus, this green example is wearing a crown. Coronaviruses are responsible for the common cold, pneumonia, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a new strain of SARS known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Many illustrators and artists have engaged with the shape and visual representation, including greeting card designers, to reflect on the impact of the pandemic.