Study posits that severity of respiratory failure seen in people with COVID-19 is associated with a gene cluster inherited from Neanderthals. More evaluation required to understand the function of this cluster if shown to be causal.

Medical Mythbusting Commentary for October 1, 2020

Source:
DNA from Neanderthals can make Covid more severe

Reference:
The major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19 is inherited from Neanderthals