Epidemiology, clinical spectrum, viral kinetics and impact of
COVID-19 has hit the world by surprise, causing substantial mortality and morbidity since 2020. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of epidemiology, induced impact, viral kinetics clinical spectrum in Asia-Pacific Region, focusing on regions previously exposed outbreaks coronavirus. progressed differently regions, with some (such as China Taiwan) featured one two epidemic waves Hong Kong South Korea) multiple waves. There been no consensus estimates important epidemiological time intervals or proportions, such that using them for making inferences should be done caution. Viral loads patients peak first week illness around days 2 4 hence there is very high transmission potential community outbreaks. Various strategies government-guided suppress-and-lift strategies, trigger-based/suppression approaches alert systems have employed guide adoption easing control measures. Asymptomatic pre-symptomatic a hallmark COVID-19. Identification isolation symptomatic alone not effective controlling ongoing However, early, prompt coordinated enactment predisposed successful disease containment. Mass vaccinations are likely light at end tunnel. need what we learnt this pandemic examine how transfer improve existing knowledge future epidemics.