Objective:SARS-CoV-2 infection is spreading around the world, including countries from Latin america. The purpose of the study was to analyse the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients admitted to the San Jose de Popayan Hospital in Colombia. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted with 620 COVID-19 patients. The hospitalized patients were divided into two groups on admission, that is, nonsevere and severe. Results:The mean age was 53 years and a greater number of male patients developed the severe form (73.3%) and died (67.1%). The leading comorbiditieswere HTN, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes,Obesity, respiratory disorders, rheumatologic disease, chronic kidney disease, malignancyandmalnutririon. Malnutrition represented a greater risk in the population over 65 years of age (OR= 8.563, 95% CI: 2.290-32.029]; p value <0.001).On comparative analysis of both groups (nonsevere and severe), a significant increase in severity was determined in advanced age: 56-65 years (OR= 2.668; p<0.001) and >65 years (OR= 7.448; p<0.001), anosmia at hospital admission (OR= 4.599; p=0.004) and cough (OR= 1.867; p=0.002). Conclusions:Our study estimated thatage over 65 years with malnutrition and signs of cough and anosmia on admission were estimated as higher risk factors to develop severe disease.