WHO’s expert group also noted that since lab accidents in the past have triggered some outbreaks, the highly politicized theory could not be discounted. They were also upset over how China sought to clamp down on research into the origins of COVID-19. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speculated repeatedly — without evidence — that COVID-19 was started in a Chinese lab. Metzl welcomed WHO’s call for a further investigation into the lab leak possibility but said it was insufficient. In March 2021, WHO released a report about COVID-19’s origins following a highly choreographed visit by international scientists to China.

Source: thestar June 10, 2022 07:01 UTC