A new bat coronavirus labelled HKU5-CoV-2 has come to light by researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and raises new concerns over possible zoonotic threats. The virus is only as zoonotic as SARS-CoV-2, but scientists are quick to point out.
As Cell reports: HKU5-CoV-2 exploits the ACE2 receptor in human cells, exactly like the same function for COVID-19. Even tests show it is not close to being able to infect human cells as effectively. Caution against over-exalting its impact on the public health.
SARS and none of the others are interchangeable but genomic equivalent “ Not all coronaviruses can jump into the human population,” said the infectious diseases expert Michael Osterholm. 
“Overreaction to a Significant finding”
For a short time Friday, the discovery briefly made its way into global markets as vaccine company stocks rose. Both datasets indicated that HKU5-CoV-2 is part of a group of viruses closely related to the causative agent of MERS, but its transmissibility is yet to be determined.
Although HKU5-CoV-2 has not been found in humans, caution should be demanded by health protection. Fever, cough and fatigue are symptoms of HKU related coronaviruses The messaging gets even harder to get right as these are fundamentally a new pathogen, so precautionary steps (like hygiene protocols & track of wildlife handling remain key)
For now, researchers are adamant that HKU5-CoV is not some imminent health threat despite the scientific discovery.
