WHO releases report on origins of COVID-19, suggests zoonotic spillover to be the cause

A panel of 27 independent, international, multidisciplinary experts, published a report on the origins of SARS-CoV-2. 

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world to a standstill. The WHO Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) in its report mentioned that much of the information needed to evaluate fully all hypotheses has not been provided.

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Considering the available evidence for the main hypotheses for the origins of COVID-19, experts concluded that “the weight of available evidence…suggests zoonotic spillover…either directly from bats or through an intermediate host.”

The report stated that China to date has not shared the information requested regarding genetic sequences from individuals with COVID-19 early in the pandemic, detailed information about the animals sold at markets in Wuhan, and information on work done and biosafety conditions at laboratories in Wuhan. 

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An initial report in this regard was published on June 9, 2022. The latest report updates that evaluation based on peer-reviewed papers and reviews, as well as available unpublished information and field studies, interviews, and other reports including audit findings, government reports and intelligence reports. 

WHO stated that the work to understand the origins of SARS-CoV-2 remains unfinished and welcomes any further evidence on the origins of COVID-19, and SAGO remains committed to reviewing any new information should it become available.

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