The theory that Covid started from a laboratory leak in China has been discounted after extensive research, a study has found. The University of Glasgow's Professor David Robertson hoped the study would "correct the false record that the virus came from a lab".
As reported by the Mirror, Wuhan's Huanan seafood and wildlife market is believed to have been at the heart of the outbreak which saw more than six million deaths across the world and approximately 183,000 in the UK. It had been suggested potentially-infected traders caused a "chain of infections among community members in the surrounding area".
Conclusions found Huanan market saw animals with Covid sold in late 2019, with it being caught by people working or shopping there in what is described as a "spill over" event from animals to humans. Chinese authorities had previously been warned about the "unhealthy, cruel and unhygienic practice" of animal markets, according to Professor Stuart Neil of King's College London.
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Neil was not involved in the findings. The experts behind the studies believed they have solved the confusing start of the outbreak which saw hundreds of people hospitalised, but only around 50 linked to the market.
Suggesting it is because most people who catch Covid survive, Robertson added: "That was really puzzling that most cases could not be linked to the market — but knowing what we know about the virus now, it’s exactly what we would expect."
"Many people only get very mildly ill, so they would be out in the community transmitting the virus to others and the severe cases would be hard to link to each other."
Experts took swabs of fluid in the drains and on market stalls for further research. They found positive samples of Covid around areas where animals like racoon dogs, who are susceptible to the virus, were sold.
As people were subjected to lockdowns, saw loved ones dying and restrictions were placed on their day-to-day lives, many sought answers about where the virus came from.
This led to conspiracy theories such as that of the Wuhan laboratory leak, particularly as US authorities accused China of a lack of transparency over the matter. The White House said at the time: "We have deep concerns about the way in which the early findings of the Covid investigation were communicated and questions about the process used to reach them.
"It is imperative that this report be independent, with expert findings free from intervention or alteration by the Chinese government." In May 2021, British intelligence also said the theory was "feasible". Former US President Donald Trump publicly stated in 2021 he had "very little doubt" the virus originated in a Wuhan laboratory.
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