Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to an infection. These antibodies should provide a degree of protection to the individual if they are re-infected with the same virus in the future. That level of protection is unknown in SARS-CoV-2; how effective is this immune response, how quick will it respond, are the antibodies long-lasting?

The development of testing for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in the blood (serology) is ongoing.