More work needed to rule out China lab leak theory, WHO

World Health Organization (WHO) has said that further investigation is necessary to rule out that coronavirus originated from a laboratory in China.

Coronavirus originated from the Chinese city Wuhan in 2019. An international team of experts visited the city in January to investigate the origins.

As per the details, WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that more research was needed although a lab leak was the least likely cause.

A report was published by WHO and Chinese experts on Tuesday. The report mentioned that the lab leak explanation was highly unlikely and the virus had probably jumped from bats to humans via another intermediary animal. China has not commented on the explanation yet.

Dr. Tedros said that the theory that the virus might have come from a leak in a laboratory “requires further investigation, potential with additional missions involving specialist experts.”

He added, “Let me say clearly that as far as WHO is concerned, all hypotheses remain on the table.”

The experts relied on samples and evidence given by Chinese officials. However, Dr. Tedros said that the team had difficulty accessing raw data and called for “more timely and comprehensive data sharing” in the future.

Countries criticized report

However, 14 countries, including the US, South Korea, Australia, and the UK have raised concerns over the report. They have urged China to give full access to experts.

The statement mentions that the mission to Wuhan was “significantly delayed and lacked access to complete, original data and samples”.

“Scientific missions like these should be able to do their work under conditions that produce independent and objective recommendations and findings.”

Countries also vowed to work together with the Who.