Table 2.

World Health Organization (WHO)–COVID-19 disease classification.

COVID-19 disease category	Children	Adults
*Moderate	Clinical signs of non-severe pneumonia (cough or difficulty breathing + fast breathing and/or chest indrawing) and no signs of severe pneumonia. Fast breathing (in breaths/min): <2 months: RR ≥60 2–11 months: RR ≥ 50 1–5 years: RR ≥ 40	Clinical signs of pneumonia (fever, cough, dyspnoea, fast breathing) but no signs of severe pneumonia, including SpO2 > 90% on room air.
*Severe	Clinical signs of pneumonia (cough or difficulty in breathing) + at least one of the following: Central cyanosis or SpO2 <90%; severe respiratory distress (e.g., fast breathing, grunting, very severe chest indrawing); general danger sign: inability to breastfeed or drink, lethargy or unconsciousness, or convulsions Fast breathing (in breaths/min): <2 months: RR ≥ 60 2–11 months: RR ≥ 50 1–5 years: RR ≥ 40	Clinical signs of pneumonia (fever, cough, dyspnoea, fast breathing) plus one of the following: Respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min; Severe respiratory distress; SpO2 <90% on room air

^*While the diagnosis can be made on clinical grounds; chest imaging (radiograph, CT scan, and ultrasound) may assist in diagnosis and identify or exclude pulmonary complications.

Source: World Health Organization (13).