WHO Eyes China Lab "Audits" In Next Phase Of Covid Origin Probe

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said one priority in the probe should be "audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions operating in the area of the initial human cases identified in December 2019".

The World Health Organization said Friday that the second stage of an investigation into the origins of coronavirus should include further studies in China and lab "audits". In a closed-door briefing to member states, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus proposed five priorities for the next phase of the investigation. They included "audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions operating in the area of the initial human cases identified in December 2019", according to a copy of his opening statement provided by WHO. He also suggested investigators should focus on "studies prioritising geographic areas with the earliest indication of circulation of SARS CoV-2".