NBC: WHO recommending more investigation into the theory that Covid-19 leaked from a Chinese lab [View all]
In a sharp U-turn, the WHO is recommending more investigation into the theory that Covid-19 leaked from a Chinese laboratory, once dismissed by some as a conspiracy theory but since taken seriously by many experts and officials.
China slams new WHO report suggesting further investigation into Covid lab leak theory
New study is a U-turn for the agency, which was criticized for ruling out the theory last year and has faced accusations of being too deferential to Beijing.
The World Health Organization is recommending more investigation into the theory that Covid-19 leaked from a Chinese laboratory, something once dismissed by some as a conspiracy theory but since taken seriously by some experts and officials.
Thursdays report marks a shift for the WHO. To investigate Covids origins it commissioned an international group of experts who, working alongside Chinese health officials, published a study in February 2021 saying the lab-leak theory was extremely unlikely.
But the report was controversial from the start, and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news briefing three days later that nothing had been ruled out, and that all hypotheses remain open and require further analysis.
After months of criticism, Tedros said in July that it had been premature to rule out the idea because I have worked in the lab, and lab accidents happen.
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https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/covid-19-urges-investigation-chinese-wuhan-lab-leak-theory-rcna32910?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma