The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that the search for the origins of SARS-CoV-2—the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic—remains ongoing and inconclusive.
Key Information Still Missing
Although the WHO Scientific Advisory Group has made some progress in tracing the virus’s origins, the team emphasized that essential data needed to evaluate all possible theories is still lacking.
WHO Requests Crucial Data from China
To advance the investigation, WHO has formally asked China to provide several key pieces of information. These include:
- Hundreds of genetic sequences from patients infected in the early stages of the pandemic
- Detailed records of animals sold at markets in Wuhan
- Information on research activities and biosafety protocols followed at Wuhan laboratories
China Yet to Cooperate
Despite these repeated requests, China has not yet released the requested data, according to WHO officials. China’s foreign ministry has not issued a response to Reuters’ inquiry on the matter.