China, WHO Conclude First Stage, Draft Agreement for Joint Investigation on Covid-19 Source

Scientists and researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction with China have concluded their preliminary reports and both parties have drafted a term of reference to guide further investigation into the origin and source of Covid-19. 

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,  Director-General of the World Health Organization, announced this development on Monday during an update press briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Tedros said one of the areas that WHO continues to study is the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19.

He revealed that the “WHO advance team that travelled to China has now concluded their mission to lay the groundwork for further joint efforts to identify the virus origins.

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“As a result of these efforts, WHO and Chinese experts have drafted the Terms of Reference for the studies and programme of work for an international team, led by WHO.

“The international team will include leading scientists and researchers from China and around the world.

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“Epidemiological studies will begin in Wuhan to identify the potential source of infection of the early cases.

“Evidence and hypotheses generated through this work will lay the ground for further, longer-term studies.”