We highlight ELF5 as a potential regulator in cells that are the primary targets of SARS-CoV-2 by combining population-level genetic evidence with gene expression at single-cell resolution, providing a tangible hypothesis for further functional follow-up studies to investigate the role of ELF5 for viral entry and wound healing of the epithelial layer of the respiratory system upon severe COVID-19. The gene discussed is ELF5; the disease is COVID-19.