The global corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is still spreading, compromising human well-being and economic progress and posing a significant risk to global public health security. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mainly transmitted through droplets, contact and aerosols. Epidemiological studies indicate that using public restrooms may be risky, and researchers have discovered the virus in the feces of COVID-19 patients, but it is unknown if SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through the digestive system. Based on this, this review describes the gastrointestinal detoxification of COVID-19 cases, summarizes relevant research using SARS-CoV-2 animal models, considers the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the gastrointestinal tract, evaluates the risk, and offers suggestions for COVID-19 prevention.