The World Health Organization¡¯s chief said a mission to study the origins of the coronavirus in China was too quick to dismiss the theory of a lab leak, with the U.S. and other governments joining in criticism of the investigation.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the probe didn¡¯t adequately analyze the possibility of a lab accident before deciding it¡¯s most likely the pathogen spread from bats to humans via another animal. In a briefing to member countries Tuesday, he said he is ready to deploy additional missions involving specialist experts.
¡°Although the team has concluded that a laboratory leak is the least likely hypothesis, this requires further investigation,¡± Tedros said in a statement. Although the WHO chief has consistently said all lines of inquiry are open, Tuesday¡¯s comments mark the first time he¡¯s speculated about the possibility of an accidental escape.
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