World Health Organisation Boss Says Wuhan Lab Leak Theory Not Ruled Out

The theory that the Covid-19 pandemic was triggered by a leak from a Chinese laboratory has not been ruled out as experts work to find the 'origin'.

The possibility that the virus was the result of a laboratory-related incident at the Wuhan Institute of Virology was discussed by G7 leaders, the head of the World Health Organisation said.

PA

Despite saying it's 'extremely unlikely' that the origin of the pandemic came as a result of a lab-related incident, the WHO has said 'all hypotheses still remain on the table'.

On top of this, the organisation has said it wants to carry out a second phase of its work, while US President Joe Biden has ordered an investigation into the origins, including the leak theory.

Dr Tedros told reporters at the G7 summit: "We believe that all hypotheses should be open, and we need to proceed to the second phase to really know the origins."

He said that nearly 3.75 million people had died, adding: "The respect these people deserve is knowing what the origin of this virus is so that we can prevent this from happening again."

PA

Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO's health emergencies programme, said: "With regards to the origins of the virus, WHO views it as extremely important to understand the origins of this particular virus which has caused the global pandemic.

"There are many hypotheses for that origin, and the international team - which was sent to the team by Dr Tedros at the request of the World Health Assembly - carried out a number of studies and investigations.

"All hypotheses still remain on the table.

"Further studies will be needed to elucidate the origins of the virus.

"We would like to move forward as quickly as possible with that second phase and bringing in further expertise, engaging with our member states to ensure that we have an appropriate terms of reference, an appropriate team and an appropriate approach where we can all move forward together in collaboration to understand the origins of the virus."

Asked whether the Wuhan lab leak theory had been discussed at the summit, Dr Tedros said: "Yes, it was raised and we discussed about the origins."

Topics: World News, News, Coronavirus

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

@RJShepherd94