US lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted unanimously for declassification of US intelligence about origins of COVID-19. The development has come nearly three years after the start of the pandemic which became one of the biggest&nbsp;globe-spanning phenomenon in recent times. US lawmakers voted 419-0 for declassification. The bill will now be sent to US President Joe Biden's desk for his signature.

“The American public deserves answers to every aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Representative Michael Turner, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. He represents the state of Ohio.

Turner said that the information that needs to be public includes "how this virus was created and, specifically, whether it was a natural occurrence or was the result of a lab-related event.”

China was the first country to come into the clutches of coronavirus pandemic. The first cluster of infections was found in the city of Wuhan. The virus soon spread all over the globe bringing economies to standstill due to lockdowns that sometimes lasted for months. It is widely alleged that the coronavirus was a man-made virus and was developed in Chinese labs. China denies all such allegations.

The intelligence that would be declassified as a result of of the legislation will also have information about China's Wuhan Institute of Virology. There are varying opinions within the US intelligence community as to whether the pandemic was a result of a lab leak of coronavirus or its jump to humans from animals.

"Transparency is a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Rep. Jim Himes, of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, during the debate.

Passage of the legislation was indicative of a rare bipartisanship between Democrats and Republicans.

If the legislation is signed into a law, it will require release within 90 days “any and all information relating to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of the Coronavirus Disease." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted unanimously for declassification of US intelligence about origins of COVID-19. The development has come nearly three years after the start of the pandemic which became one of the biggest globe-spanning phenomenon in recent times.

US lawmakers in the House of Representatives voted unanimously for declassification of US intelligence about origins of COVID-19. The development has come nearly three years after the start of the pandemic which became one of the biggest globe-spanning phenomenon in recent times. US lawmakers voted 419-0 for declassification. The bill will now be sent to US President Joe Biden's desk for his signature. “The American public deserves answers to every aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Representative Michael Turner, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. He represents the state of Ohio. Turner said that the information that needs to be public includes "how this virus was created and, specifically, whether it was a natural occurrence or was the result of a lab-related event.” China was the first country to come into the clutches of coronavirus pandemic. The first cluster of infections was found in the city of Wuhan. The virus soon spread all over the globe bringing economies to standstill due to lockdowns that sometimes lasted for months. It is widely alleged that the coronavirus was a man-made virus and was developed in Chinese labs. China denies all such allegations. The intelligence that would be declassified as a result of of the legislation will also have information about China's Wuhan Institute of Virology. There are varying opinions within the US intelligence community as to whether the pandemic was a result of a lab leak of coronavirus or its jump to humans from animals. "Transparency is a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Rep. Jim Himes, of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, during the debate. Passage of the legislation was indicative of a rare bipartisanship between Democrats and Republicans. If the legislation is signed into a law, it will require release within 90 days “any and all information relating to potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origin of the Coronavirus Disease." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US House votes unanimously for declassification of Covid origins intelligence

The US Senate has voted unanimously to pass a bill that calls on the Biden administration to declassify the intelligence about the origin of COVID-19. Announcing the same, Republican Josh Hawley, the Senator from Missouri, tweeted, "Tonight, the Senate unanimously passed my bill to declassify all the intelligence the government has on COVID-19 origins. Let the people see the truth!"&nbsp;

Republican congressmen had asked the Department of Energy (DoE), the Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for documents related to the probe into the origins of the coronavirus. Politico reported that the request for the papers arose after a&nbsp; Wall Street Journal report said that the DoE had concluded that the pandemic most likely arose from a Chinese laboratory leak.

A WHO and China joint report published in 2021 noted that the virus travelled from bats to another animal, subsequently infecting humans. However, it wasn't made clear how the virus reached the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan. Lab leak was being cited as a reason, and earlier this week, FBI said that Wuhan lab leak was the most plausible reason for the emergence of the COVID-19 virus.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-lab-leak-likely-caused-the-covid-19-virus-fbi-chief-admits-567077">FBI coronavirus `lab leak` claims hurt US credibility: China</a>

Speaking on Fox News on Tuesday, FBI director Christopher Asher&nbsp;Wray said that the bureau believes COVID-19 "most likely" originated in a "Chinese government-controlled lab". According to the BBC, it is the first public confirmation of the FBI's classified judgment of how the pandemic virus emerged.

China hit back at the claims, with spokeswoman for China's foreign ministry, Mao Ning, condemning Wray's allegations about the origin of the coronavirus and asserted that they only damage US credibility.

There has been a divide in the US government over the origins of Covid-19. A 2021 report issued by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence revealed that the National Intelligence Council, along with four other unidentified agencies, in a low-confidence assessment believe that the initial Covid-19 infection “was most likely caused by natural exposure to an animal infected with it or a close progenitor virus.”

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The US Senate has voted unanimously to pass a bill that calls on the Biden administration to declassify the intelligence about the origin of COVID-19. Announcing the same, Republican Josh Hawley, the Senator from Missouri, tweeted, "Tonight, the Senate unanimously passed my bill to declassify all the intelligence the government has on COVID-19 origins.

The US Senate has voted unanimously to pass a bill that calls on the Biden administration to declassify the intelligence about the origin of COVID-19. Announcing the same, Republican Josh Hawley, the Senator from Missouri, tweeted, "Tonight, the Senate unanimously passed my bill to declassify all the intelligence the government has on COVID-19 origins. Let the people see the truth!" Republican congressmen had asked the Department of Energy (DoE), the Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for documents related to the probe into the origins of the coronavirus. Politico reported that the request for the papers arose after a Wall Street Journal report said that the DoE had concluded that the pandemic most likely arose from a Chinese laboratory leak. A WHO and China joint report published in 2021 noted that the virus travelled from bats to another animal, subsequently infecting humans. However, it wasn't made clear how the virus reached the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan. Lab leak was being cited as a reason, and earlier this week, FBI said that Wuhan lab leak was the most plausible reason for the emergence of the COVID-19 virus. Also Read | FBI coronavirus `lab leak` claims hurt US credibility: China Speaking on Fox News on Tuesday, FBI director Christopher Asher Wray said that the bureau believes COVID-19 "most likely" originated in a "Chinese government-controlled lab". According to the BBC, it is the first public confirmation of the FBI's classified judgment of how the pandemic virus emerged. China hit back at the claims, with spokeswoman for China's foreign ministry, Mao Ning, condemning Wray's allegations about the origin of the coronavirus and asserted that they only damage US credibility. There has been a divide in the US government over the origins of Covid-19. A 2021 report issued by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence revealed that the National Intelligence Council, along with four other unidentified agencies, in a low-confidence assessment believe that the initial Covid-19 infection “was most likely caused by natural exposure to an animal infected with it or a close progenitor virus.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Senate clears bill to declassify all intel information on Covid-19 origin

In China, the city of Zhengzhou now ordered its 12 million residents to take Covid 19 tests. China has been ramping up measures to stamp out the various clusters ahead of the controversial winter Olympics and, authorities have now ordered everyone to get themselves tested to uncover infections that can remain hidden amongst the public.

China: The city of Zhengzhou now ordered its 12 million residents to take Covid 19 tests

Declassified US intelligence reports claiming the COVID-19 pandemic could have originated in a lab are unscientific and without credibility, says a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry.

According to the updated US intelligence briefing published on Saturday, both a natural origin and a lab leak could explain how SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, first infected humans, though the truth may never be known.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-know-how-covid-19-originated-say-us-intelligence-officials-425224">We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials</a>

The spokesperson, Wang Wenbin responded on the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website by saying that "a lie repeated a thousand times is still a lie", adding that US intelligence services are known for their "fraud and deception".

"The tracing of the origins of the novel Coronavirus is a serious and complex issue that should and can only be researched through the cooperation of global scientists," he said.

Despite persistent allegations, China has consistently denied that the virus came from a specialist laboratory in Wuhan, the Chinese city where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> was first identified at the end of 2019.

Wang also reiterated China's call for the United States to open up its own Fort Detrick laboratory to international experts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-it-is-last-chance-to-find-origin-of-covid-19-420559">WHO says it is 'last chance' to find origin of COVID-19</a>

Earlier WHO report on COVID-19 origins

Earlier this year, China and the World Health Organization (WHO) published a joint study that all but ruled out the hypothesis that COVID-19 originated in a laboratory, saying it was more likely that it had infected humans naturally, perhaps through the wildlife trade.

The study, however, was critiqued for failing to investigate the Wuhan labs and for not examining the raw data necessary to understand the virus's early transmission routes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-politicisation-and-scapegoating-over-covid-19-origin-report-408395">China accuses US of 'politicisation' and 'scapegoating' over COVID-19 origin report</a>

Earlier this month, the WHO also established a Scientific Advisory Group on Novel Pathogens Origins (SAGO) and had called on China to supply raw data to aid any further investigation. The Chinese government however has declined, citing rules governing patient privacy.

A group of scientists, in an open letter written last week to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that while they welcomed an investigation into COVID-19's origin, the proposed SAGO panel lacked the necessary skills and impartiality.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The Lab Leak Theory

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-lab-leak-theory-389670/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A few days later, on Monday, the WHO suddenly reopened applications for its SAGO panel for three days, seeking experts in social science, anthropology, ethics, political science, and Biosafety/biosecurity.

It is still unclear whether any of the 26 previously announced nominees had withdrawn or whether the panel is being enlarged. Following the publication of WHO's list on Oct 13, a two-week public consultation period was held to allow for public feedback.

(With inputs from agencies)

Declassified US intelligence reports claiming the COVID-19 pandemic could have originated in a lab are unscientific and without credibility, says a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry.

Declassified US intelligence reports claiming the COVID-19 pandemic could have originated in a lab are unscientific and without credibility, says a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry. According to the updated US intelligence briefing published on Saturday, both a natural origin and a lab leak could explain how SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, first infected humans, though the truth may never be known. Also read | We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials The spokesperson, Wang Wenbin responded on the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website by saying that "a lie repeated a thousand times is still a lie", adding that US intelligence services are known for their "fraud and deception". "The tracing of the origins of the novel Coronavirus is a serious and complex issue that should and can only be researched through the cooperation of global scientists," he said. Despite persistent allegations, China has consistently denied that the virus came from a specialist laboratory in Wuhan, the Chinese city where COVID-19 was first identified at the end of 2019. Wang also reiterated China's call for the United States to open up its own Fort Detrick laboratory to international experts. Also read | WHO says it is 'last chance' to find origin of COVID-19 Earlier WHO report on COVID-19 origins Earlier this year, China and the World Health Organization (WHO) published a joint study that all but ruled out the hypothesis that COVID-19 originated in a laboratory, saying it was more likely that it had infected humans naturally, perhaps through the wildlife trade. The study, however, was critiqued for failing to investigate the Wuhan labs and for not examining the raw data necessary to understand the virus's early transmission routes. Also read | China accuses US of 'politicisation' and 'scapegoating' over COVID-19 origin report Earlier this month, the WHO also established a Scientific Advisory Group on Novel Pathogens Origins (SAGO) and had called on China to supply raw data to aid any further investigation. The Chinese government however has declined, citing rules governing patient privacy. A group of scientists, in an open letter written last week to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that while they welcomed an investigation into COVID-19's origin, the proposed SAGO panel lacked the necessary skills and impartiality. Watch | Gravitas Plus: The Lab Leak Theory A few days later, on Monday, the WHO suddenly reopened applications for its SAGO panel for three days, seeking experts in social science, anthropology, ethics, political science, and Biosafety/biosecurity. It is still unclear whether any of the 26 previously announced nominees had withdrawn or whether the panel is being enlarged. Following the publication of WHO's list on Oct 13, a two-week public consultation period was held to allow for public feedback. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid origins: China says US report without credibility, intelligence services known for 'fraud and deception'

Following the formation of the new advisory group on dangerous pathogens, the WHO now says 'this may be our last chance to know the origins of Covid 19 pandemic'.

W.H.O: Our best and last chance to probe covid origin