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Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) is the latest global pandemic. COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets and, apart from respiratory symptoms, patients often present with gastrointestinal symptoms and liver involvement. Given the high percentage of COVID-19 patients that present with gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), in this review, we report a practical up-to-date reference for the physician in their clinical practice with patients affected by chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases (inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, chronic liver disease) at the time of COVID-19. First, we summarised data on the origin and pathogenetic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. Then, we performed a literature search up to December 2020 examining clinical manifestations of GI involvement. Next, we illustrated and summarised the most recent guidelines on how to adhere to GI procedures (endoscopy, liver biopsy, faecal transplantation), maintaining social distance and how to deal with immunosuppressive treatment. Finally, we focussed on some special conditions such as faecal-oral transmission and gut microbiota. The rapid accumulation of information relating to this condition makes it particularly essential to revise the literature to take account of the most recent publications for medical consultation and patient care., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: During the pandemic of SARS-Cov-2, among other clinical and public health issues, a major concern raised by SARS-CoV-2 is the possibility of transmission of the infection from mother to child in the perinatal period. This has placed a question mark on the safety of breastfeeding, with ambiguity on the joint management of SARS-CoV-2 positive or suspected mothers and their children. It was aimed to evaluate breastfeeding rates for newborns of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers who were temporarily separated from their babies at birth, compared to those who were not separated. Results: Babies who were not isolated from their mothers at delivery were significantly more likely to be breastfed and were at no higher risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: Following the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and strict hand and mask hygiene measures, breastfeeding practices can be established and maintained through rooming-in, thus promoting the mother-child bond without compromising the safety of the newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]