Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid 1960s. There are several coronaviruses that can infect people, including:  Alpha coronaviruses. Beta coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. MERS-CoV, the coronavirus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS. SARS-CoV, the coronavirus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.