The laboratory version of the coronavirus leak should be investigated
WHO experts believe that in order to investigate this version, it is necessary to talk to those responsible in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says a more “in-depth” study of the origin of the COVID-19 virus, including the possibility of it leaking from the laboratory, is needed.
According to the Associated Press, WHO experts say that in the history of the world, the spread of diseases in laboratories as a result of incidents is known, and therefore this “highly politicized version” can not be ruled out.
WHO experts believe that in order to study this version, it is necessary to talk to those responsible for biosafety and bioprotection in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.
Experts from China, Russia and Brazil oppose the study of a version of the virus that “escaped” from the laboratory, according to the “notes” section of the WHO report.
A report prepared by the WHO expert commission after a visit to the Wuhan Institute of Virology last year said that a version of the virus leaking from the laboratory was “extremely unlikely”.
At the time, scientists were content to conclude that the disease had spread to humans, most likely from bats.
It is too early to rule out the laboratory option
However, after such a position was sharply criticized by a number of other experts, WHO management acknowledged that the version of the leak from the laboratory can not be ruled out “prematurely.”
China has vehemently denied allegations that the coronavirus leaked from one of its laboratories, arguing that the virus could have spread from US laboratories.
The Associated Press reports that China is obstructing the WHO’s investigation. Beijing has refused to release preliminary information about the spread of the virus.
In February 2022, WHO again contacted China for information on the first cases of the virus.
It is unknown whether China responded to the letter or how it responded.
America demands an answer
Jamie Metzl, a member of one of the WHO’s advisory groups, suggested that a commission of experts from the G7 group of G7 countries be set up to investigate the origins of COVID.
According to the scientist, this is necessary because the WHO does not have sufficient political power and expert independence to conduct such a critical study.
Metzl welcomed WHO’s call for an investigation into the origin of COVID-19, but said it was not enough:
“Tragically, the Chinese government still refuses to disclose the necessary raw data and will not allow a full inspection of Beijing’s Wuhan laboratory. It is necessary to provide access to this information, because without them it is impossible to determine how the pandemic began and take measures to prevent future pandemics.
The Republican-led COVID-19 subcommittee in the House of Representatives in Washington wrote on Twitter: