Rapid, convenient and efficient kit-independent detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA

•Simplified SARS-CoV-2 RNA isolation is possible without commercial RNA isolation kits.•The method is rapid, reliable and cost-effective, works best on nasopharyngeal swabs.•Tracheal secretion appears unsuitable most likely due to high mucus/protein content.•Detection threshold is slightly higher compared to kit-based RNA extraction methods.•Method could bypass or temporally bridge shortage of resources.