‘Coronavirus’ became a household name worldwide when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus disease (COVID–19) as a global health emergency on 30th January 2020. With millions of active cases and thousands of deaths, the pandemic is still active and poses a serious public health concern internationally. The aim of the article is to provide a bird’s eye view of our current understanding of the Coronavirus disease (COVID–19), the SARS COV–2 virus, its pathogenesis, modes of transmission and clinical presentation. Additionally, screening and diagnostic tests, recent developments in the antiviral drugs along with other experimental treatment modalities have also been discussed. The article also provides a brief set of recommendations to be followed by a dental practitioner while handling any emergency case during these times to prevent the risk of spread of the disease. The article was last updated on 25th May 2020.