As an introduction to some of the new features of the 11th edition of the AMA Manual of Style, the AMA Style Insider will begin a series of short weekly posts highlighting changes in style rules that editors should begin incorporating into their workflows.

This series will start with updates on a time-sensitive topic that is unfolding not only in medical publications, but also across mainstream media outlets: coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

As the scale of COVID-19 becomes increasingly global, it is essential that editors use nomenclature that is accurate and consistent so readers can trust the integrity of the information being published.

The AMA Manual of Style addresses coronavirus in section 14.14.3, Virus Nomenclature. The disease name COVID-19 was finalized by the World Health Organization and the virus name severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (2 SARS-CoV-2) was finalized by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Updates will be provided in Table 14.14-10, Viruses of Humans.

For continued clinical updates on COVID-19, please visit JAMA Network’s designated page for research and educational resources. For situation updates, please refer to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.–Amanda Ehrhardt