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There is currently no concrete evidence on the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some agencies, such as the Department of Energy, consider it possible (but with a low-level of confidence) that the pandemic began with a lab leak. However, more government agencies and many scientists argue that animal-to-human spread is a more likely theory.
WHAT WE KNOW
In late 2019, cases with COVID-like symptoms were first reported in Wuhan, China. By early January, both Chinese officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported these cases were related to a new coronavirus.
By January 2020, cases of the new coronavirus were reported in countries outside of China. As cases of the new virus spread, groups were created to monitor and study COVID-19. The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
In May 2020, the process for a WHO-led study on the origin of COVID-19 began. The WHO-led team traveled to China in 2021. The team concluded that animal-to-human spread was a likely theory but called for further research to learn more.
In 2021, a ninety-day plan to study COVID-19's origin was launched in the United States. Following this, there was no consensus from the Intelligence Community on COVID-19's origin. However, many groups leaned toward theories that suggest a natural origin of COVID-19.
In 2023, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) position on COVID-19's origin was leaked and the FBI’s position was reported. The DOE reportedly has “low” confidence and the FBI is allegedly “moderately” confident in the lab leak theory. Intelligence groups rate with low, moderate, or high levels of confidence. A “low” level suggests that the information may not be credible. A “moderate” level of confidence suggests alternative views may exist.
Following a recent public hearing, the House of Representatives voted to declassify information on the origin of COVID-19. All members of the House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill. The Senate had already passed the bill.
Knowing the origin of COVID-19 is critical in answering many questions about its spread. It is also important to prevent future pandemics from occurring.
UNKNOWNS
Information surrounding the origin of the pandemic is still not fully understood. Since the definite origins of the pandemic remain unknown, further work is needed. Some have made calls for further cooperation from Chinese officials as well.
Scientists’ understanding of COVID-19 is ongoing and continues to change over time.
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YOU CAN SAY THIS...
There is currently no concrete evidence on the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some agencies, such as the Department of Energy, consider it possible (but with a low-level of confidence) that the pandemic began with a lab leak. However, more government agencies and many scientists argue that animal-to-human spread is a more likely theory.
WHAT WE KNOW
In late 2019, cases with COVID-like symptoms were first reported in Wuhan, China. By early January, both Chinese officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported these cases were related to a new coronavirus.
By January 2020, cases of the new coronavirus were reported in countries outside of China. As cases of the new virus spread, groups were created to monitor and study COVID-19. The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
In May 2020, the process for a WHO-led study on the origin of COVID-19 began. The WHO-led team traveled to China in 2021. The team concluded that animal-to-human spread was a likely theory but called for further research to learn more.
In 2021, a ninety-day plan to study COVID-19's origin was launched in the United States. Following this, there was no consensus from the Intelligence Community on COVID-19's origin. However, many groups leaned toward theories that suggest a natural origin of COVID-19.
In 2023, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) position on COVID-19's origin was leaked and the FBI’s position was reported. The DOE reportedly has “low” confidence and the FBI is allegedly “moderately” confident in the lab leak theory. Intelligence groups rate with low, moderate, or high levels of confidence. A “low” level suggests that the information may not be credible. A “moderate” level of confidence suggests alternative views may exist.
Following a recent public hearing, the House of Representatives voted to declassify information on the origin of COVID-19. All members of the House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill. The Senate had already passed the bill.
Knowing the origin of COVID-19 is critical in answering many questions about its spread. It is also important to prevent future pandemics from occurring.
UNKNOWNS
Information surrounding the origin of the pandemic is still not fully understood. Since the definite origins of the pandemic remain unknown, further work is needed. Some have made calls for further cooperation from Chinese officials as well.
Scientists’ understanding of COVID-19 is ongoing and continues to change over time.
SOURCE
HEARD IT
BELIEVABILITY
HEARD IT FROM
KNOW
FROM
YOU CAN SAY THIS...
There is currently no concrete evidence on the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some agencies, such as the Department of Energy, consider it possible (but with a low-level of confidence) that the pandemic began with a lab leak. However, more government agencies and many scientists argue that animal-to-human spread is a more likely theory.
WHAT WE KNOW
In late 2019, cases with COVID-like symptoms were first reported in Wuhan, China. By early January, both Chinese officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported these cases were related to a new coronavirus.
By January 2020, cases of the new coronavirus were reported in countries outside of China. As cases of the new virus spread, groups were created to monitor and study COVID-19. The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
In May 2020, the process for a WHO-led study on the origin of COVID-19 began. The WHO-led team traveled to China in 2021. The team concluded that animal-to-human spread was a likely theory but called for further research to learn more.
In 2021, a ninety-day plan to study COVID-19's origin was launched in the United States. Following this, there was no consensus from the Intelligence Community on COVID-19's origin. However, many groups leaned toward theories that suggest a natural origin of COVID-19.
In 2023, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) position on COVID-19's origin was leaked and the FBI’s position was reported. The DOE reportedly has “low” confidence and the FBI is allegedly “moderately” confident in the lab leak theory. Intelligence groups rate with low, moderate, or high levels of confidence. A “low” level suggests that the information may not be credible. A “moderate” level of confidence suggests alternative views may exist.
Following a recent public hearing, the House of Representatives voted to declassify information on the origin of COVID-19. All members of the House of Representatives voted in favor of the bill. The Senate had already passed the bill.
Knowing the origin of COVID-19 is critical in answering many questions about its spread. It is also important to prevent future pandemics from occurring.
UNKNOWNS
Information surrounding the origin of the pandemic is still not fully understood. Since the definite origins of the pandemic remain unknown, further work is needed. Some have made calls for further cooperation from Chinese officials as well.
Scientists’ understanding of COVID-19 is ongoing and continues to change over time.
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