The theory that the COVID-19 pandemic’s origins can be traced back to a lab leak in China got a boost, according to the Wall Street Journal. In an article published Sunday, the WSJ writes that U.S. Energy Department has recently updated its assessment of how the novel coronavirus behind the pandemic emerged: While the department previously said it was undecided on the matter, it now calls the lab-leak theory the most likely explanation. The department joins the FBI in backing the lab-leak theory, while four other agencies and a national intelligence panel believe the virus emerged through natural transmission, and two are undecided, the Journal wrote. Many scientists favor the theory that the virus emerged from such a market. Other scientists not involved in that study considered it a blow to the lab-leak theory.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 26, 2023 23:23 UTC