Wuhan, China

A team of international scientists investigating the origins of COVID-19 have said it is highly unlikely that the virus came from a laboratory, a theory continually pushed by former US President Donald Trump.

Peter Ben Embarek, head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) joint mission, said at a press briefing that it was “extremely unlikely” the virus leaked from a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

He added that more work must be done to identify the source of the virus. Dr Embarek’s comments come as the WHO-China joint mission is winding down.

The Chinese city of Wuhan was propelled onto the global stage after it became the first place in the world to detect the virus. Since then, more than 106 million cases and 2.3 million deaths have been reported worldwide.

In Dr Embarek’s remarks, he revealed that the investigation had uncovered new information, but it did not significantly change the picture of the outbreak.

Experts are confident the virus is likely to have originated in animals, before spreading to humans.

Dr Embarek said investigations into the origins of the virus pointed to a “natural reservoir” of COVID-19 in bats, but that it was unlikely that this happened in Wuhan.

Featured Image:

Wuhan, China 

Related

Poundland bought for £1 in rescue deal as thousands of UK jobs on the line 

June 17, 2025
by Sam Vassallo

Poundland has more than 800 stores around the UK and employs some 16,000 people

Corinthia expands Beverly Hills footprint with third property acquisition and new US partnership

June 12, 2025
by Lyndsey Grima

The partnership secured rights to acquire a third prime property; an office block adjacent to the Maison and Mosaic Hotels

EU adds Monaco and Venezuela to money laundering blacklist

June 12, 2025
by Lyndsey Grima

The United Arab Emirates and Gibraltar were removed from the list