Coronavirus wrecks havoc around the world, many things are still continued to be pointed at the World Health Organisation (WHO) along with the Chinese authorities, for failing to act promptly during the initial days of the outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

China & WHO, both unsuccessful in taking prompt action against COVID-19 pandemic

As China approaches the one-year anniversary of the Wuhan lockdown, visitors trickle into a massive propaganda exhibition devoted to showcasing the country's triumph over the debilitating coronavirus pandemic.

Wuhan one year on, exhibition shows city's battle against coronavirus

The United States wants WHO investigators to look at the records of the Wuhan Lab. It believes that several researchers inside the lab became sick in the autumn of 2019 - before the 1st case of the Wuhan virus. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why is China blocking access to the Wuhan Lab?

China's city Wuhan has often been blamed for the origin of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>. Now, after several scientists and health experts, the US Department of State has also accused China of establishing unjustified "secrecy" around the virus.

As per a new statement by the US Department of State, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a "deadly obsession with secrecy and control".&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-109-new-covid-19-cases-as-infections-persist-in-northeast-357391" hreflang="en">China reports 109 new COVID-19 cases as infections persist in northeast</a>

The US also claimed that the Wuhan Institute of Virology had been conducting experiments on a virus which is genetically similar to the new coronavirus.

According to the US Department of State, several researchers at a lab in Wuhan had been experimenting on RaTG13, which was a bat coronavirus and is the closest sample to SAR-CoV-2. These experiments were being conducted "under conditions that increased the risk for accidental and potentially unwitting exposure", according to the US.

Following these experiments, several researchers fell ill and their symptoms were "consistent with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses".

The US has, however, clarified they are not yet sure if and when did the virus transmission to humans take place.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-popular-hangout-for-bats-tourists-and-now-covid-sleuths-357373" hreflang="en">A popular hangout for bats, tourists and now Covid sleuths</a>

"We have not determined whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan, China," their statement read. "The virus could have emerged naturally from human contact with infected animals, spreading in a pattern consistent with a natural epidemic."

Providing an alternate theory, the statement read, "Alternatively, a laboratory accident could resemble a natural outbreak if the initial exposure included only a few individuals and was compounded by asymptomatic infection."

This accusation from the US has come at a time when a team of researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO) have gone to China's Wuhan city — the original epicentre — to investigate the origin of this deadly virus, which was earlier believed to have spread from a wet market in Wuhan.

"The majority of scientists believe there is a natural origin of the virus, we know that bats are a natural reservoir of other coronaviruses, we really want to go and see and get the data," WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic had told US media.

China's city Wuhan has often been blamed for the origin of the deadly coronavirus. Now, after several scientists and health experts, the US Department of State has also accused China of establishing unjustified "secrecy" around the virus.

China's city Wuhan has often been blamed for the origin of the deadly coronavirus. Now, after several scientists and health experts, the US Department of State has also accused China of establishing unjustified "secrecy" around the virus. As per a new statement by the US Department of State, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a "deadly obsession with secrecy and control". Also read| China reports 109 new COVID-19 cases as infections persist in northeast The US also claimed that the Wuhan Institute of Virology had been conducting experiments on a virus which is genetically similar to the new coronavirus. According to the US Department of State, several researchers at a lab in Wuhan had been experimenting on RaTG13, which was a bat coronavirus and is the closest sample to SAR-CoV-2. These experiments were being conducted "under conditions that increased the risk for accidental and potentially unwitting exposure", according to the US. Following these experiments, several researchers fell ill and their symptoms were "consistent with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses". The US has, however, clarified they are not yet sure if and when did the virus transmission to humans take place. Also read| A popular hangout for bats, tourists and now Covid sleuths "We have not determined whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan, China," their statement read. "The virus could have emerged naturally from human contact with infected animals, spreading in a pattern consistent with a natural epidemic." Providing an alternate theory, the statement read, "Alternatively, a laboratory accident could resemble a natural outbreak if the initial exposure included only a few individuals and was compounded by asymptomatic infection." This accusation from the US has come at a time when a team of researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO) have gone to China's Wuhan city — the original epicentre — to investigate the origin of this deadly virus, which was earlier believed to have spread from a wet market in Wuhan. "The majority of scientists believe there is a natural origin of the virus, we know that bats are a natural reservoir of other coronaviruses, we really want to go and see and get the data," WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic had told US media.

US claims Chinese researchers had coronavirus symptoms before initial reported cases

China is trying to rebrand Wuhan, the city of the novel coronavirus.

The regime of President Xi Jinping is trying its best to dissociate Wuhan from the deadly virus.

Watch&nbsp;|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-tries-to-rebrand-wuhan-356771/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is holding an exhibition to pain Wuhan as a victim of the virus and not its epicentre.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-first-coronavirus-death-in-eight-months-as-who-team-arrives-356538">China reports first coronavirus death in eight months as WHO team arrives</a>

China is celebrating Wuhan's sacrifice, struggles and courage and is celebrating Wuhan's medical staff and how they fought the outbreak.&nbsp;

However, the exhibition has no mention of whistleblower Ai Fen or Zhang Yongzhen.

Yongzhen is the doctor who went against the wishes of Xi and shared the genome with the world.

The wall of martyrs does include Dr Li Wenliang, but it doesn't say how he was hounded by the government.&nbsp;

The internet is also being filled with terms like 'first anniversary' on January 23, the first day of the Wuhan lockdown.

<h2>The questions remain</h2>

Wuhan should be praised for bouncing back, but there are several crucial questions that need to be addressed.&nbsp;

These questions include: what led to the Wuhan outbreak, who is responsible for it, is the virus man-made, what role did the Wuhan Institue of Virology play?

China is trying to hide these questions by rebranding the city.&nbsp;

A team of experts from the World Health Organization arrived in Wuhan today.

They will enter a two-week quarantine before they can begin their probe.

In other words, China gets 14 more days to whitewash people's memories and crime scenes.

The WHO's team has 10 members, their job is to find the origin of the virus.&nbsp;

It will be challenging for this team to find the true origins as China has not even assured the team a visit to the Wuhan lab.&nbsp;

WHO is complaining sometimes, but mostly helping China maintain its shroud of secrecy.&nbsp;

Beijing is also not sharing the itinerary of the visit and the WHO is playing along, suggesting that it will be difficult for the world to know the places the team visited.&nbsp;

The Xi regime controlled all research related to the outbreak and the scientists were not allowed to speak to the press.&nbsp;

In July, Wuhan was suddenly flooded, perhaps it was needed to wash out all the evidence.&nbsp;

The WHO says it is trying to build "a better, healthier future for people all over the world", but it's actions show otherwise.&nbsp;

<h2>Return of Covid-19</h2>

Meanwhile, China recorded 138 infections today, its highest single-day tally since March 2020.&nbsp;

It also confirmed its first virus death since May last year.&nbsp;

At least 20 million people are under a lockdown in the province of Hebei with its capital city Shijiazhuang becoming the latest epicentre.&nbsp;

Neighbouring Xingtai, home to seven million people has been locked down for almost a week now.&nbsp;

The infections have spread to Heilongjiang where daily cases have tripled.

The province has declared an emergency with its 37.5 million residents being told not to leave the province until absolutely necessary.&nbsp;

This started a week after Xi declared China's victory over Covid-19, beamed images of new year parties without masks.&nbsp;

This is a deja vu moment as the Wuhan outbreak also started in a similar fashion.&nbsp;

China should know that traces can be hidden with holograms, but not a deadly virus that is transmitting.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China is trying to rebrand Wuhan, the city of the novel coronavirus. The regime of President Xi Jinping is trying its best to dissociate Wuhan from the deadly virus.

China is trying to rebrand Wuhan, the city of the novel coronavirus. The regime of President Xi Jinping is trying its best to dissociate Wuhan from the deadly virus. Watch | It is holding an exhibition to pain Wuhan as a victim of the virus and not its epicentre. Also read | China reports first coronavirus death in eight months as WHO team arrives China is celebrating Wuhan's sacrifice, struggles and courage and is celebrating Wuhan's medical staff and how they fought the outbreak. However, the exhibition has no mention of whistleblower Ai Fen or Zhang Yongzhen. Yongzhen is the doctor who went against the wishes of Xi and shared the genome with the world. The wall of martyrs does include Dr Li Wenliang, but it doesn't say how he was hounded by the government. The internet is also being filled with terms like 'first anniversary' on January 23, the first day of the Wuhan lockdown. The questions remain Wuhan should be praised for bouncing back, but there are several crucial questions that need to be addressed. These questions include: what led to the Wuhan outbreak, who is responsible for it, is the virus man-made, what role did the Wuhan Institue of Virology play? China is trying to hide these questions by rebranding the city. A team of experts from the World Health Organization arrived in Wuhan today. They will enter a two-week quarantine before they can begin their probe. In other words, China gets 14 more days to whitewash people's memories and crime scenes. The WHO's team has 10 members, their job is to find the origin of the virus. It will be challenging for this team to find the true origins as China has not even assured the team a visit to the Wuhan lab. WHO is complaining sometimes, but mostly helping China maintain its shroud of secrecy. Beijing is also not sharing the itinerary of the visit and the WHO is playing along, suggesting that it will be difficult for the world to know the places the team visited. The Xi regime controlled all research related to the outbreak and the scientists were not allowed to speak to the press. In July, Wuhan was suddenly flooded, perhaps it was needed to wash out all the evidence. The WHO says it is trying to build "a better, healthier future for people all over the world", but it's actions show otherwise. Return of Covid-19 Meanwhile, China recorded 138 infections today, its highest single-day tally since March 2020. It also confirmed its first virus death since May last year. At least 20 million people are under a lockdown in the province of Hebei with its capital city Shijiazhuang becoming the latest epicentre. Neighbouring Xingtai, home to seven million people has been locked down for almost a week now. The infections have spread to Heilongjiang where daily cases have tripled. The province has declared an emergency with its 37.5 million residents being told not to leave the province until absolutely necessary. This started a week after Xi declared China's victory over Covid-19, beamed images of new year parties without masks. This is a deja vu moment as the Wuhan outbreak also started in a similar fashion. China should know that traces can be hidden with holograms, but not a deadly virus that is transmitting.

The rebranding of Wuhan despite unanswered crucial questions

The W.H.O team has landed in Wuhan to probe the origin of the virus. But China may not let the experts visit the Wuhan lab. What's more - China is rebranding Wuhan.

Gravitas: China tries to rebrand Wuhan

The World Health Organization experts have arrived in Wuhan to initiate investigations into COVID-19 origin. This visit is a significant one because it comes amidst the sudden resurgence of the infections.

W.H.O team finally arrives in Wuhan to begin the COVID-19 origin probe

The head of the World Health Organization said on Tuesday he was "very disappointed" that China has still not authorised the entry of a team of international experts to examine the origins of the coronavirus.

The 10-strong team had been due to set off in early January as part of a long-awaited mission to probe early cases of the coronavirus, first reported over a year ago in China's Wuhan.

"Today we learned that Chinese officials have not yet finalised the necessary permissions for the team's arrival in China," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an online news conference in Geneva.

"I have been in contact with senior Chinese officials and I have once again made it clear the mission is a priority for the WHO," he said of the trip he said was developed with Beijing.

The mission was due to be led by Peter Ben Embarek, WHO's top expert on animal diseases that cross the species barrier, who went to China on a preliminary mission last July.

Two members of the international team had already set out on their journey to China. One has now turned back and the other is in transit in a third country, emergencies chief Mike Ryan said.

However, he added: "We trust and hope that is just a logistic and bureaucratic issue that can be resolved very quickly."

Ahead of the trip, Beijing has been seeking to shape the narrative about when and where the pandemic began, with senior diplomat Wang Yi saying "more and more studies" showed that it emerged in multiple regions. Ryan has previously called this "highly speculative".

China has dismissed criticism of its handling of early cases that emerged in late 2019, although some including U.S. President Donald Trump have questioned Beijing's actions during the outbreak.

Washington, which has announced plans to leave the WHO, has called for a "transparent" investigation and criticised its terms under which Chinese experts conducted the first phase of research.

The head of the World Health Organization said on Tuesday he was "very disappointed" that China has still not authorised the entry of a team of international experts to examine the origins of the coronavirus.

The head of the World Health Organization said on Tuesday he was "very disappointed" that China has still not authorised the entry of a team of international experts to examine the origins of the coronavirus. The 10-strong team had been due to set off in early January as part of a long-awaited mission to probe early cases of the coronavirus, first reported over a year ago in China's Wuhan. "Today we learned that Chinese officials have not yet finalised the necessary permissions for the team's arrival in China," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an online news conference in Geneva. "I have been in contact with senior Chinese officials and I have once again made it clear the mission is a priority for the WHO," he said of the trip he said was developed with Beijing. The mission was due to be led by Peter Ben Embarek, WHO's top expert on animal diseases that cross the species barrier, who went to China on a preliminary mission last July. Two members of the international team had already set out on their journey to China. One has now turned back and the other is in transit in a third country, emergencies chief Mike Ryan said. However, he added: "We trust and hope that is just a logistic and bureaucratic issue that can be resolved very quickly." Ahead of the trip, Beijing has been seeking to shape the narrative about when and where the pandemic began, with senior diplomat Wang Yi saying "more and more studies" showed that it emerged in multiple regions. Ryan has previously called this "highly speculative". China has dismissed criticism of its handling of early cases that emerged in late 2019, although some including U.S. President Donald Trump have questioned Beijing's actions during the outbreak. Washington, which has announced plans to leave the WHO, has called for a "transparent" investigation and criticised its terms under which Chinese experts conducted the first phase of research.

WHO ‘very disappointed’ China hasn't granted entry to Covid experts

One of the senior-most officials in the United States has claimed that a "growing body of evidence" suggests that the Wuhan Institute of Virology is potentially the "most credible source" for the origin of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

US's Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger said China's claims of the virus originating from Wuhan market are false.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-who-will-bear-the-cost-of-the-pandemic-354078/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pointing to the latest intelligence inputs, Pottinger said that: ''there is a growing body of evidence that the lab is likely the most credible source of the virus", as quoted by Daily Mail.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/traces-of-coronavirus-found-on-auto-parts-packaging-in-china-354384">Traces of coronavirus found on auto parts packaging in China</a>

He also said that Covid-19 may have escaped via a "leak or an accident".&nbsp;

Pottinger made these commends in a Zoom videoconference with British MPs last week and come at a time when experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are preparing to travel Wuhan to know the virus's origins

Sam Armstrong, communications director at the Henry Jackson Society foreign policy think-tank said that when a "senior and respected" intelligence official is pushing these claims, the UK government must "seek both answers about and compensation for Covid-19.'

Wuhan is coronavirus's first epicentre and Beijing has constantly denied the involvement of the high-security lab in the region behind the leak of Covid-19.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a WHO team will arrive in China in January to find the coronavirus origins and recently one of the team members told news agency AFP that they will explore all avenues and will not focus on finding the "guilty" country or authority.&nbsp;

One of the senior-most officials in the United States has claimed that a "growing body of evidence" suggests that the Wuhan Institute of Virology is potentially the "most credible source" for the origin of the novel coronavirus.

One of the senior-most officials in the United States has claimed that a "growing body of evidence" suggests that the Wuhan Institute of Virology is potentially the "most credible source" for the origin of the novel coronavirus. US's Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger said China's claims of the virus originating from Wuhan market are false. Watch | Pointing to the latest intelligence inputs, Pottinger said that: ''there is a growing body of evidence that the lab is likely the most credible source of the virus", as quoted by Daily Mail. Also read | Traces of coronavirus found on auto parts packaging in China He also said that Covid-19 may have escaped via a "leak or an accident". Pottinger made these commends in a Zoom videoconference with British MPs last week and come at a time when experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are preparing to travel Wuhan to know the virus's origins Sam Armstrong, communications director at the Henry Jackson Society foreign policy think-tank said that when a "senior and respected" intelligence official is pushing these claims, the UK government must "seek both answers about and compensation for Covid-19.' Wuhan is coronavirus's first epicentre and Beijing has constantly denied the involvement of the high-security lab in the region behind the leak of Covid-19. Meanwhile, a WHO team will arrive in China in January to find the coronavirus origins and recently one of the team members told news agency AFP that they will explore all avenues and will not focus on finding the "guilty" country or authority.

'Growing evidence' suggests Covid-19 originated from Wuhan lab: Senior US official

Thousands of people gathered in Wuhan on Thursday (December 31) to welcome the new year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands gather in Wuhan to welcome 2021 amid pandemic

On the last day of 2020, China's President Xi Jinping declared a victory over the pandemic. Wuhan - the original epicentre, threw a party. Palki Sharma tells you how China is trying to reframe the narrative of the Wuhan Virus Pandemic.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping declares 2020 a triumph

Media reports have quoted China's CDC sample study which reveals that maybe China hadn't revealed and hide the real covid-19 numbers to the world. Watch this report

China: Study shows that nearly 500,000 may have been infected in Wuhan

A Chinese citizen journalist held since may for livestram reporting from Wuhan has now been jailed for four years, 37 years old Zhang Zhan is a formal lawyer who has been convicted for her reporting in the initial stages of the outbreak in Wuhan.

Chinese journalist face 4 yr imprisonment for reporting virus in Wuhan

Lockdowns have returned, contact tracing is on again. The mutant strains of the Wuhan virus are keeping the world on edge. Will the existing vaccine work against these far more potent variants? WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Will vaccines work against the new Wuhan Virus strains?

World Health Organisation's (WHO) team of international scientists will travel to the Chinese city of Wuhan in the month of January to investigate the origins of the Novel Coronavirus.

WHO's international team to probe Coronavirus origin

A Chinese journalist, who reported the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>crisis from Wuhan earlier this year, will face trial later this month, her lawyers said on Friday.

China has been criticised for covering up the initial outbreak that hit Wuhan in January.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wuhan-residents-welcome-who-investigators-to-visit-their-city-350583/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Zhang Zhan visited Wuhan in February and reported her experiences on social media.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nightclubs-reopen-in-covid-19s-original-epicentre-wuhan-350565">Nightclubs reopen in COVID-19's original epicentre Wuhan</a>

She criticised the government's response to handling the Covid-19 pandemic in her essays that include denouncing strict lockdown.&nbsp;

The citizen journalist was detained in May and is accused of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble", as per a court notice seen by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The accusation is routinely used by Beijing to silence dissidents and if proved could lead to a maximum sentence of five years.&nbsp;

Zhang's lawyers received the court notice earlier this week that said the hearing will begin on December 28 in a Shanghai court.&nbsp;

Her lawyers said that Zhang began a hunger strike in June, but has been force-fed through a nasal tube.&nbsp;

In a note shared on social media, her lawyer Zhang Keke said that the 37-year-old's health was extremely poor and she faced headaches, dizziness and stomach pain.

Chen Qiushi, Fang Bin and Li Zehua were the other citizen journalists that were detained earlier this year for this reporting from Wuhan.&nbsp;

A Chinese journalist, who reported the coronavirus crisis from Wuhan earlier this year, will face trial later this month, her lawyers said on Friday. China has been criticised for covering up the initial outbreak that hit Wuhan in January.

A Chinese journalist, who reported the coronavirus crisis from Wuhan earlier this year, will face trial later this month, her lawyers said on Friday. China has been criticised for covering up the initial outbreak that hit Wuhan in January. Watch | Zhang Zhan visited Wuhan in February and reported her experiences on social media. Also read | Nightclubs reopen in COVID-19's original epicentre Wuhan She criticised the government's response to handling the Covid-19 pandemic in her essays that include denouncing strict lockdown. The citizen journalist was detained in May and is accused of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble", as per a court notice seen by news agency AFP. The accusation is routinely used by Beijing to silence dissidents and if proved could lead to a maximum sentence of five years. Zhang's lawyers received the court notice earlier this week that said the hearing will begin on December 28 in a Shanghai court. Her lawyers said that Zhang began a hunger strike in June, but has been force-fed through a nasal tube. In a note shared on social media, her lawyer Zhang Keke said that the 37-year-old's health was extremely poor and she faced headaches, dizziness and stomach pain. Chen Qiushi, Fang Bin and Li Zehua were the other citizen journalists that were detained earlier this year for this reporting from Wuhan.

Chinese journalist, who covered Wuhan Covid-19 outbreak to face trial

Myths, conspiracy theories, misinformation and lack of proper education have instilled a sense of fear of vaccines. Thousands of anti-vaxxers are protesting across the World. How do we convince them to take a Wuhan virus vaccine? Molly Gambhir has the details.

Wuhan Virus Vaccine: The biggest challenge | Gravitas

"Wuhan never hesitates to show its beauty, and those who love it deeply hope that more people can understand it," said a post on Facebook that intended to bring back tourists in the country.&nbsp;

China's Wuhan, which is commonly known for Covid-19's first epicentre has started promotions to lure travellers, stressing that the region is safe and its beauty needs to be experienced.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FVisitWuhan%2Fvideos%2F1123950521356222%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Titled as "Let's Meet in Wuhan," Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau posted on Weibo the video which highlighted the city's famous attractions, including Zhangdu Lake Wetland and the iconic Yellow Crane Tower, among others.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-frozen-food-clampdown-china-questions-theory-of-coronavirus-outbreak-in-wuhan-346003">With frozen food clampdown, China questions theory of coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The video was then shared on Facebook on November 13 with a similar message, reports CNN.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-journalist-covering-wuhan-outbreak-who-was-missing-since-feb-found-330141">China: Journalist covering Wuhan outbreak, who was missing since Feb found</a>

"Wuhan never hesitates to show its beauty, and those who love it deeply hope that more people can understand it," the Facebook post said&nbsp;

"From the myriad twinkling lights along the Yangtze River and the amazing dance and music from the Zhiyin cruise to the glittering light and beautiful voices from the live house......give me five! Everyone! Looking forward to meeting you in Wuhan."

A 76-day lockdown was imposed in Wuhan from January 23 to April 8 when the coronavirus outbreak began in China and was by and large spread in this region.&nbsp;

However, the infections in the region slowed down considerably since then and it has not reported a single infection since May at a time when several developed countries, including the European nations and the US, have had several waves of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

"Wuhan never hesitates to show its beauty, and those who love it deeply hope that more people can understand it," said a post on Facebook that intended to bring back tourists in the country.

"Wuhan never hesitates to show its beauty, and those who love it deeply hope that more people can understand it," said a post on Facebook that intended to bring back tourists in the country. China's Wuhan, which is commonly known for Covid-19's first epicentre has started promotions to lure travellers, stressing that the region is safe and its beauty needs to be experienced. Watch | × Titled as "Let's Meet in Wuhan," Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau posted on Weibo the video which highlighted the city's famous attractions, including Zhangdu Lake Wetland and the iconic Yellow Crane Tower, among others. Also read | With frozen food clampdown, China questions theory of coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan The video was then shared on Facebook on November 13 with a similar message, reports CNN. Also read | China: Journalist covering Wuhan outbreak, who was missing since Feb found "Wuhan never hesitates to show its beauty, and those who love it deeply hope that more people can understand it," the Facebook post said "From the myriad twinkling lights along the Yangtze River and the amazing dance and music from the Zhiyin cruise to the glittering light and beautiful voices from the live house......give me five! Everyone! Looking forward to meeting you in Wuhan." A 76-day lockdown was imposed in Wuhan from January 23 to April 8 when the coronavirus outbreak began in China and was by and large spread in this region. However, the infections in the region slowed down considerably since then and it has not reported a single infection since May at a time when several developed countries, including the European nations and the US, have had several waves of the deadly virus.

Wuhan, coronavirus's first epicentre attempts to bring back travellers

Covid-19 hospitalizations in the US reached a record 100,000 on Wednesday, straining health-care systems in numerous states. Hospitalisations have set new records almost daily since November 10 in the nation's largest and longest surge. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-insufficient-to-prevent-surge-in-coronavirus-for-next-six-months-who-347022">Also read | Vaccines insufficient to prevent surge in coronavirus for next six months: WHO</a> 
 
According to the health experts, the number will continue to climb, as Thanksgiving gatherings and holidays are expected to accelerate an already rampant spread of the virus this fall.&nbsp;

"There are 100,226 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in the US — the first time hospitalizations have exceeded 100k," the COVID Tracking Project said in a tweet. 
 
The current number of hospitalized patients underscores the scope and severity of the current phase of the U.S. outbreak. Never before had the number of hospitalized Covid patients surpassed 60,000, according to data compiled by the Covid Tracking Project, which is run by journalists at The Atlantic.

Meanwhile, US officials have said that they expect to have enough vaccine doses to immunize about 100 million higher-risk people by the end of February. 
 
But the World Health Organization does not believe there will be enough quantities of coronavirus vaccines in the next three to six months to prevent a surge of infections, its top emergency expert said.

"We are not going to have sufficient vaccinations in place to prevent a surge in cases for three to six months," Mike Ryan told a social media event, calling on people to maintain social distancing and respect other measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19. 
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 49 "candidate vaccines" at the stage of clinical trials in humans by mid-November, up from 11 in mid-June.

WHO had received data from Pfizer and BioNTech on the COVID-19 vaccine and was reviewing it for "possible listing for emergency use", a benchmark for countries to authorise national use.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Covid-19 hospitalizations in the US reached a record 100,000 on Wednesday, straining health-care systems in numerous states. Hospitalisations have set new records almost daily since November 10 in the nation's largest and longest surge.

Covid-19 hospitalizations in the US reached a record 100,000 on Wednesday, straining health-care systems in numerous states. Hospitalisations have set new records almost daily since November 10 in the nation's largest and longest surge. Also read | Vaccines insufficient to prevent surge in coronavirus for next six months: WHO According to the health experts, the number will continue to climb, as Thanksgiving gatherings and holidays are expected to accelerate an already rampant spread of the virus this fall. "There are 100,226 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in the US — the first time hospitalizations have exceeded 100k," the COVID Tracking Project said in a tweet. The current number of hospitalized patients underscores the scope and severity of the current phase of the U.S. outbreak. Never before had the number of hospitalized Covid patients surpassed 60,000, according to data compiled by the Covid Tracking Project, which is run by journalists at The Atlantic. Meanwhile, US officials have said that they expect to have enough vaccine doses to immunize about 100 million higher-risk people by the end of February. But the World Health Organization does not believe there will be enough quantities of coronavirus vaccines in the next three to six months to prevent a surge of infections, its top emergency expert said. "We are not going to have sufficient vaccinations in place to prevent a surge in cases for three to six months," Mike Ryan told a social media event, calling on people to maintain social distancing and respect other measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 49 "candidate vaccines" at the stage of clinical trials in humans by mid-November, up from 11 in mid-June. WHO had received data from Pfizer and BioNTech on the COVID-19 vaccine and was reviewing it for "possible listing for emergency use", a benchmark for countries to authorise national use. (With inputs from agencies)

United States Covid-19 hospitalisations top 100,000, hospitals stretched beyond limit

11 months Since the Wuhan virus breached China's borders, incriminating documents have been leaked from the Hubei Centre for Disease Control. The documents reveal how an undisclosed influenza was spreading at the same time as COVID-19. Molly Gambhir gets you the leaked Wuhan files.

Gravitas: The Wuhan files leak

China has claimed that just because the first COVID-19 case was detected from the Wuhan doesn't mean that it originated from the Chinese city itself. China's state media has also started reporting that traces of the virus were found on the number of imported food products from different countries including India.

China claims, COVID-19 virus originated outside the country

While the news of potential vaccines is great, vaccination alone will not be able to end the Wuhan Virus Pandemic. Molly Gambhir tells you why.

 Gravitas: Wuhan Virus, a vaccine is not a silver bullet

A Chinese journalist has been detained after been formally indicted on charges of spreading false information. 37 years old Zhnag Zhan has been detained sine may 2020. Zhnag Zhan imprisoned for reporting on COVID-19 outbreak. Zhan had initially gone missing before arrest in Wuhan.

Journalist charged for spreading false information

A Chinese ex-lawyer and a citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, is being subjected to a possible jail time for nearly five years for reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, that allegedly started in a Wuhan lab.

The 37-year-old Shanghai-based citizen journalist was arrested by the local police authorities in mid-May on the allegations of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dr-li-meng-yan-virologist-who-claims-covid-19-manufactured-in-china-lab-challenges-facebook-335158">Dr Li-Meng Yan, virologist who claims COVID-19 manufactured in China lab challenges Facebook</a>

The district prosecutors are now alleging her of fabricating information related to the novel coronavirus which has affected millions of lives all around the world since the end of 2019. "She is now being accused of fabricating malicious and false information about the coronavirus pandemic in Wuhan and accepting interviews with overseas media," a source revealed.

There are also fears that she will be punished with maximum penalty, as the prosecutors are now also citing her alleged previous offences from 2018 and 2019.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-mutations-appearing-in-siberia-russian-scientists-343820">Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists</a>

Zhan, who is currently in a detention centre in Shanghai, has resumed eating food on regular basis. The citizen journalist had earlier gone on a hunger strike in the second month of her arrest, claiming she will break the strike only if she is released unconditionally. "She was initially being force-fed and put on drips when she first started the hunger strike as she demanded to be released unconditionally," the source revealed. At that time, her cell-mates were being asked to force-feed her. However, later, she resumed consuming food on her own.

She was arrested after she travelled to Wuhan, where the coronavirus allegedly began and live-streamed the condition of the city through her social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook. She also penned down an article criticising the way the outbreak was handled by the Chinese government and raised the question of whether the censorship in the severity of the outbreak was intentional by Xi's government.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-to-human-transmission-of-rare-chapare-virus-in-bolivia-confirmed-by-scientists-343728">Human-to-human transmission of rare 'Chapare virus' in Bolivia confirmed by scientists</a>

Following the live streaming and the reports, Zhan was arrested by the Shanghai Police on May 15, but was officially charged three months later, citing concerns about her safety and well-being. Now, in addition to allegedly generating fale information, she is also being charged&nbsp;for “picking quarrels” and “disrupting public order" — two offences from&nbsp;April and November 2019 respectively&nbsp;and&nbsp;for allegedly inciting subversion — an accusation from August 2018.

If proven guilty, she could face a jail term for four to five years.

In addition to Zhan, three other citizen journalists —&nbsp;Li Zehua, Chen Qiushi and Fang Bin — have also been detained by the Chinese government on the allegation of generating false information, after they live-streamed the condition of the country during the pandemic, and questioned the government's motives.

A Chinese ex-lawyer and a citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, is being subjected to a possible jail time for nearly five years for reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, that allegedly started in a Wuhan lab.

A Chinese ex-lawyer and a citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, is being subjected to a possible jail time for nearly five years for reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, that allegedly started in a Wuhan lab. The 37-year-old Shanghai-based citizen journalist was arrested by the local police authorities in mid-May on the allegations of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". Also read| Dr Li-Meng Yan, virologist who claims COVID-19 manufactured in China lab challenges Facebook The district prosecutors are now alleging her of fabricating information related to the novel coronavirus which has affected millions of lives all around the world since the end of 2019. "She is now being accused of fabricating malicious and false information about the coronavirus pandemic in Wuhan and accepting interviews with overseas media," a source revealed. There are also fears that she will be punished with maximum penalty, as the prosecutors are now also citing her alleged previous offences from 2018 and 2019. Also read| Coronavirus mutations appearing in Siberia: Russian scientists Zhan, who is currently in a detention centre in Shanghai, has resumed eating food on regular basis. The citizen journalist had earlier gone on a hunger strike in the second month of her arrest, claiming she will break the strike only if she is released unconditionally. "She was initially being force-fed and put on drips when she first started the hunger strike as she demanded to be released unconditionally," the source revealed. At that time, her cell-mates were being asked to force-feed her. However, later, she resumed consuming food on her own. She was arrested after she travelled to Wuhan, where the coronavirus allegedly began and live-streamed the condition of the city through her social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook. She also penned down an article criticising the way the outbreak was handled by the Chinese government and raised the question of whether the censorship in the severity of the outbreak was intentional by Xi's government. Also read| Human-to-human transmission of rare 'Chapare virus' in Bolivia confirmed by scientists Following the live streaming and the reports, Zhan was arrested by the Shanghai Police on May 15, but was officially charged three months later, citing concerns about her safety and well-being. Now, in addition to allegedly generating fale information, she is also being charged for “picking quarrels” and “disrupting public order" — two offences from April and November 2019 respectively and for allegedly inciting subversion — an accusation from August 2018. If proven guilty, she could face a jail term for four to five years. In addition to Zhan, three other citizen journalists — Li Zehua, Chen Qiushi and Fang Bin — have also been detained by the Chinese government on the allegation of generating false information, after they live-streamed the condition of the country during the pandemic, and questioned the government's motives.

Chinese citizen journalist who uncovered COVID-19 truth faces possibility of jail time: Reports

Winter, the flue season, is due to start very soon, and that should be the world's main focus now, as this year it is coupled with&nbsp;a virus that's not stopping down.

By most estimates, winter will drive up the infections and all of us&nbsp;who have been waiting for 2020 to end may find that the pandemic won't end with the calender year.

Winter is always a busy time for doctors as the seasonal flu strikes, and cough and cold spread. It's an annual test of human immunity.

This year, the test will be much tougher. For perspective, last year&nbsp;in the United States, sases of the flu spiked by 40 times during winter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-company-sinopharm-offering-free-covid-19-vaccine-to-students-335488">Also read:&nbsp;Chinese company Sinopharm offering free COVID-19 vaccine to students</a>

A century ago, during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, the death rate shot up by five times during winters.

This year, we have a deadly virus on the prowl that has&nbsp;killed more than a million people in the last eight months. The outbreak began during winter in Wuhan last year. The data is is not trustworthy&nbsp;and is devoid of a pattern.&nbsp;

However, what we know is that the world has witnessed 10 respiratory pandemics in the past 250 years, and in only three cases&nbsp;did the winter contribute to a second wave of infections.

Experts are relying on basic logic to recommend caution. The first wave killed far too many people, and the second one could be deadlier. It will coincide with the flu; both have the same symptoms.&nbsp;

Simultaneous outbreaks would strain health care systems and there's no effective vaccine in sight yet. The most optimistic expectation is to have a vaccine by 2021. Currently, there are 45 vaccines performing clinical trials on humans. However, even with the unprecedented speed of testing, mass vaccination programs are many months away.

The chief scientist of the WHO says the young and healthy may have to wait for the vaccine until 2022 as the first supplies will be administered to the healthcare and frontline workers.

As always, China remains the exception to the rule as it is&nbsp;cutting corners and administrating vaccines under trial to thousands of citizens.

Chinese companies are selling vaccines too. Reportedly, Sinovac is selling one dose of its coronavac vaccine for 30 dollars.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-pandemic-will-the-winter-make-it-worse-335903/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Coronavac is a vaccine candidate that&nbsp;is yet to receive a global stamp of approval, but according to different reports, China has inoculated tens of thousands, if not more, under an emergency use program while the world is still struggling to contain new clusters, re-infections, and a virus that is showing no signs of slowing down.

Winter, the flue season, is due to start very soon, and that should be the world's main focus now, as this year it is coupled with a virus that's not stopping down.

Winter, the flue season, is due to start very soon, and that should be the world's main focus now, as this year it is coupled with a virus that's not stopping down. By most estimates, winter will drive up the infections and all of us who have been waiting for 2020 to end may find that the pandemic won't end with the calender year. Winter is always a busy time for doctors as the seasonal flu strikes, and cough and cold spread. It's an annual test of human immunity. This year, the test will be much tougher. For perspective, last year in the United States, sases of the flu spiked by 40 times during winter. Also read: Chinese company Sinopharm offering free COVID-19 vaccine to students A century ago, during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, the death rate shot up by five times during winters. This year, we have a deadly virus on the prowl that has killed more than a million people in the last eight months. The outbreak began during winter in Wuhan last year. The data is is not trustworthy and is devoid of a pattern. However, what we know is that the world has witnessed 10 respiratory pandemics in the past 250 years, and in only three cases did the winter contribute to a second wave of infections. Experts are relying on basic logic to recommend caution. The first wave killed far too many people, and the second one could be deadlier. It will coincide with the flu; both have the same symptoms. Simultaneous outbreaks would strain health care systems and there's no effective vaccine in sight yet. The most optimistic expectation is to have a vaccine by 2021. Currently, there are 45 vaccines performing clinical trials on humans. However, even with the unprecedented speed of testing, mass vaccination programs are many months away. The chief scientist of the WHO says the young and healthy may have to wait for the vaccine until 2022 as the first supplies will be administered to the healthcare and frontline workers. As always, China remains the exception to the rule as it is cutting corners and administrating vaccines under trial to thousands of citizens. Chinese companies are selling vaccines too. Reportedly, Sinovac is selling one dose of its coronavac vaccine for 30 dollars. × Coronavac is a vaccine candidate that is yet to receive a global stamp of approval, but according to different reports, China has inoculated tens of thousands, if not more, under an emergency use program while the world is still struggling to contain new clusters, re-infections, and a virus that is showing no signs of slowing down.

Winter is coming: Is the world ready to fight coronavirus in winters?

So far, the global scientific community has been unable to identify a natural origin of, or a logical evolutionary pathway for, the COVID-19 virus.

In contrast, the entire history of coronavirus research is punctuated by the ubiquitous use of genetic engineering to produce new viral combinations, which makes a laboratory origin a far more likely scenario.

In 2008, just five years after the first 2002-2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic, Dr. Ralph Baric of the University of North Carolina published an article entitled “Synthetic recombinant bat SARS-like coronavirus is infectious in cultured cells and in mice,” in which he described the creation in the laboratory of an entirely new virus capable of producing a human SARS-like infection:

“Here, we report the design, synthesis, and recovery of the largest synthetic replicating life form, a 29.7-kb bat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus (Bat-SCoV), a likely progenitor to the SARS-CoV epidemic.”

In that study, Baric demonstrated that his new synthetic virus was capable of infecting human lung cells to a similar extent as the first human SARS pandemic virus because he had genetically spliced the receptor binding domain (RBD) from the SARS virus onto his new artificial virus.

It is important to note that Dr Baric has been a long-time research collaborator with Zheng-Li Shi, the “bat woman” from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Similar to the 2008 study described above, Baric and Zheng-Li Shi jointly published a 2015 scientific article describing the insertion of the RBD from a newly isolated coronavirus (SHC014) into SARS-CoV-1, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic.

Baric and Zheng-Li Shi combined the components of two coronaviruses and produced another novel virus, SHC014-MA15, which showed “robust viral replication both in vitro [cell cultures] and in vivo [animals],” using models adapted to test for human infectivity.

Other genetic engineering techniques, such as the insertion of a furin polybasic basic cleavage site, which is found in the COVID-19 virus and in no other close natural relative, as well as individual artificial “point” mutations, have been widely used in coronavirus research.

Since the initial 2002-2003 SARS pandemic, which also originated in China, there have been attempts to create a broad-spectrum vaccine that would provide long-lasting protection against a variety of coronaviruses that might emerge from nature and infect humans.

One such approach has been the development of live-attenuated vaccines like those used for the childhood diseases measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, in which a weakened or “attenuated” form of the virus that causes the disease is manufactured.

Because live-attenuated vaccines are so similar to the natural infection that they help prevent, a strong and long-lasting, even life-time immune response can be produced.

In a 2018 scientific article, Dr Baric offered a strategy for the development of a broad-spectrum, live-attenuated vaccine for coronaviruses.

Baric also identified the inherent danger of live-attenuated virus vaccines that they have been shown to revert back to their original pathogenic structure after administration to a recipient.

That risk is exponentially increased for “self-spreading” vaccines, which are essentially genetically engineered live-attenuated vaccines designed to move through populations in the same way as viruses, but rather than causing disease, conferring protection.

In my two previous articles, here and here, I cited evidence supporting the argument that the COVID-19 virus originated in connection with China’s vaccine development program, in which a live-attenuated virus may have reverted to its deadly form after a human infection and then leaked from laboratory containment.

Given the mounting evidence, a non-natural origin for the COVID-19 pandemic demands investigation.

So far, the global scientific community has been unable to identify a natural origin of, or a logical evolutionary pathway for, the COVID-19 virus. In contrast, the entire history of coronavirus research is punctuated by the ubiquitous use of genetic engineering to produce new viral combinations, which makes a laboratory origin a far more likely scenario.

So far, the global scientific community has been unable to identify a natural origin of, or a logical evolutionary pathway for, the COVID-19 virus. In contrast, the entire history of coronavirus research is punctuated by the ubiquitous use of genetic engineering to produce new viral combinations, which makes a laboratory origin a far more likely scenario. In 2008, just five years after the first 2002-2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic, Dr. Ralph Baric of the University of North Carolina published an article entitled “Synthetic recombinant bat SARS-like coronavirus is infectious in cultured cells and in mice,” in which he described the creation in the laboratory of an entirely new virus capable of producing a human SARS-like infection: “Here, we report the design, synthesis, and recovery of the largest synthetic replicating life form, a 29.7-kb bat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus (Bat-SCoV), a likely progenitor to the SARS-CoV epidemic.” In that study, Baric demonstrated that his new synthetic virus was capable of infecting human lung cells to a similar extent as the first human SARS pandemic virus because he had genetically spliced the receptor binding domain (RBD) from the SARS virus onto his new artificial virus. It is important to note that Dr Baric has been a long-time research collaborator with Zheng-Li Shi, the “bat woman” from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Similar to the 2008 study described above, Baric and Zheng-Li Shi jointly published a 2015 scientific article describing the insertion of the RBD from a newly isolated coronavirus (SHC014) into SARS-CoV-1, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic. Baric and Zheng-Li Shi combined the components of two coronaviruses and produced another novel virus, SHC014-MA15, which showed “robust viral replication both in vitro [cell cultures] and in vivo [animals],” using models adapted to test for human infectivity. Other genetic engineering techniques, such as the insertion of a furin polybasic basic cleavage site, which is found in the COVID-19 virus and in no other close natural relative, as well as individual artificial “point” mutations, have been widely used in coronavirus research. Since the initial 2002-2003 SARS pandemic, which also originated in China, there have been attempts to create a broad-spectrum vaccine that would provide long-lasting protection against a variety of coronaviruses that might emerge from nature and infect humans. One such approach has been the development of live-attenuated vaccines like those used for the childhood diseases measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, in which a weakened or “attenuated” form of the virus that causes the disease is manufactured. Because live-attenuated vaccines are so similar to the natural infection that they help prevent, a strong and long-lasting, even life-time immune response can be produced. In a 2018 scientific article, Dr Baric offered a strategy for the development of a broad-spectrum, live-attenuated vaccine for coronaviruses. Baric also identified the inherent danger of live-attenuated virus vaccines that they have been shown to revert back to their original pathogenic structure after administration to a recipient. That risk is exponentially increased for “self-spreading” vaccines, which are essentially genetically engineered live-attenuated vaccines designed to move through populations in the same way as viruses, but rather than causing disease, conferring protection. In my two previous articles, here and here, I cited evidence supporting the argument that the COVID-19 virus originated in connection with China’s vaccine development program, in which a live-attenuated virus may have reverted to its deadly form after a human infection and then leaked from laboratory containment. Given the mounting evidence, a non-natural origin for the COVID-19 pandemic demands investigation.

Don’t tell me the COVID-19 virus could not have been manufactured by China

There may be some culpability involved, but the huge resistance being mounted by the international scientific elite, the media and vested financial interests against conducting an objective analysis of the origin of the COVID-19 virus is primarily about money.

If it would be determined that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted from a laboratory leak of a genetically engineered virus, it would not only disrupt the flow of huge sums of research funding, but adversely affect the investments of those vehemently opposed to President Donald Trump’s efforts to make the U.S. economy less dependent on China and, therefore, make the U.S. less vulnerable to Chinese geopolitical blackmail.

There is growing scientific evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic may have resulted from a vaccine development project gone wrong.

Live-attenuated vaccines are a type of vaccine used for smallpox and childhood diseases like measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, in which a weakened or “attenuated” form of the virus that causes the disease is manufactured.

Because such vaccines are so similar to the natural infection that they help prevent, they create a strong and long-lasting, even lifetime immune response.

Live-attenuated virus vaccines must possess certain characteristics to be safe and effective.

They must have lower virulence and replication capability than the natural pathogenic form of the virus, but be able to induce a pronounced immune response.

Of additional importance is that the live-attenuated virus vaccines should clear quickly from the body and not revert or mutate back to the natural pathogenic form.

To fulfill those characteristics, certain modifications providing protection strategies, or “circuit breakers,” must be engineered into the viral genome, which are also potential markers of artificial manipulation.

An ad hoc group of scientific investigators known as DRASTIC have compiled a 36-point list to buttress their claim that the COVID-19 virus could have originated in a vaccine development program.

For example, a central mechanism for controlling immune responses is mediated by interferons. The COVID-19 virus seems to have some signatures in its genome which indicate interferon hypersensitivity compared to the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic.

Another indication that the COVID-19 virus may have been the product of an attempt to produce a live-attenuated virus vaccine is the accumulation of “synonymous mutations” in the spike protein compared to RaTG13, which the global scientific elite claim is the nearest bat coronavirus relative.

The artificial accumulation of synonymous mutations has been described as one method of producing live-attenuated virus vaccines by “deoptimizing” the genetic code and inhibiting replication.

The most striking indication of genetic manipulation of the COVID-19 virus is the presence of the furin polybasic cleavage site, which does not exist in any closely-related bat coronavirus yet identified.

Given its role in the virus-cell or cell-cell membrane fusion process, the DRASTIC team suggests that the insertion of the furin polybasic cleavage site may have been related to a high-risk attempt to produce an intranasal “self-spreading” vaccine spray.

“Self-spreading vaccines are essentially genetically engineered viruses designed to move through populations in the same way as infectious diseases, but rather than causing disease, they confer protection.”

Obviously, much could go wrong using such an approach.

To avoid the scientific equivalent of the Russia collusion hoax, the Trump Administration should not rely on the international scientific elite, the media and vested financial interests to shape the debate, but should appoint an independent and objective task force to determine the true origin of the COVID-19 virus.

Given the power of genetic engineering and the enormous danger when it is recklessly applied, the stakes are just too high not to address this issue honestly and directly. 
 
(Lawrence Sellin, Ph.D. is a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel, who previously worked at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. is email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

There may be some culpability involved, but the huge resistance being mounted by the international scientific elite, the media and vested financial interests against conducting an objective analysis of the origin of the COVID-19 virus is primarily about money.

There may be some culpability involved, but the huge resistance being mounted by the international scientific elite, the media and vested financial interests against conducting an objective analysis of the origin of the COVID-19 virus is primarily about money. If it would be determined that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted from a laboratory leak of a genetically engineered virus, it would not only disrupt the flow of huge sums of research funding, but adversely affect the investments of those vehemently opposed to President Donald Trump’s efforts to make the U.S. economy less dependent on China and, therefore, make the U.S. less vulnerable to Chinese geopolitical blackmail. There is growing scientific evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic may have resulted from a vaccine development project gone wrong. Live-attenuated vaccines are a type of vaccine used for smallpox and childhood diseases like measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, in which a weakened or “attenuated” form of the virus that causes the disease is manufactured. Because such vaccines are so similar to the natural infection that they help prevent, they create a strong and long-lasting, even lifetime immune response. Live-attenuated virus vaccines must possess certain characteristics to be safe and effective. They must have lower virulence and replication capability than the natural pathogenic form of the virus, but be able to induce a pronounced immune response. Of additional importance is that the live-attenuated virus vaccines should clear quickly from the body and not revert or mutate back to the natural pathogenic form. To fulfill those characteristics, certain modifications providing protection strategies, or “circuit breakers,” must be engineered into the viral genome, which are also potential markers of artificial manipulation. An ad hoc group of scientific investigators known as DRASTIC have compiled a 36-point list to buttress their claim that the COVID-19 virus could have originated in a vaccine development program. For example, a central mechanism for controlling immune responses is mediated by interferons. The COVID-19 virus seems to have some signatures in its genome which indicate interferon hypersensitivity compared to the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic. Another indication that the COVID-19 virus may have been the product of an attempt to produce a live-attenuated virus vaccine is the accumulation of “synonymous mutations” in the spike protein compared to RaTG13, which the global scientific elite claim is the nearest bat coronavirus relative. The artificial accumulation of synonymous mutations has been described as one method of producing live-attenuated virus vaccines by “deoptimizing” the genetic code and inhibiting replication. The most striking indication of genetic manipulation of the COVID-19 virus is the presence of the furin polybasic cleavage site, which does not exist in any closely-related bat coronavirus yet identified. Given its role in the virus-cell or cell-cell membrane fusion process, the DRASTIC team suggests that the insertion of the furin polybasic cleavage site may have been related to a high-risk attempt to produce an intranasal “self-spreading” vaccine spray. “Self-spreading vaccines are essentially genetically engineered viruses designed to move through populations in the same way as infectious diseases, but rather than causing disease, they confer protection.” Obviously, much could go wrong using such an approach. To avoid the scientific equivalent of the Russia collusion hoax, the Trump Administration should not rely on the international scientific elite, the media and vested financial interests to shape the debate, but should appoint an independent and objective task force to determine the true origin of the COVID-19 virus. Given the power of genetic engineering and the enormous danger when it is recklessly applied, the stakes are just too high not to address this issue honestly and directly. (Lawrence Sellin, Ph.D. is a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel, who previously worked at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and conducted basic and clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry. is email address is lawrence.sellin@gmail.com) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Are the global scientific elite trying to bury the truth about the origin of Covid-19?

Voters in Romania decided to re-elect a mayor - who recently passed away after contracting the Wuhan virus. Why? WION's Palki brings you the story.

Gravitas: Romanian Village Elects Dead Mayor

In an exclusive interview with Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Professor Giuseppe Tritto - a global biomedical expert - claimed that a top official from the Chinese military was leading the study on bat coronaviruses and bioweapons. Take a look. Speaking to Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Professor Giuseppe Tritto claimed that the possibility of a 'virus leak' in Wuhan cannot be ruled out. Here is a slice from that exclusive conversation.

Gravitas: Global biomedical expert: Virus could have leaked in Wuhan

Chinese virologist&nbsp;Dr Li-Meng Yan has claimed that the deadly coronavirus was developed in a government laboratory in Wuhan and also said that Chinese government was aware of the Covid-19 spread, in an interview with news channel WION.&nbsp; 
 
In an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma, Chinese virologist, who investigated the origin of the COVID-19 virus during the initial outbreak in Wuhan, said that she discovered a cover-up operation in Wuhan and said that the Chinese government knew about the spread of the virus before publicly acknowledging it.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-virologist-li-meng-yan-speaks-to-wions-palki-sharma-upadhyay-329504/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Dr Yan the World Health Organization (WHO) is very much part of the cover up.

Wuhan wet market is just a smokescreen from the Chinese Communist Party, said Chinese virologist, on the origin of novel coronavirus. 
 
Dr Li-Meng Yan, who was a post-doctoral fellow in virology and immunology at Hong Kong School of Public Health said that she was muzzeled by her supervisors. 
 
Yan claims the Chinese government is now trying to tarnish her reputation through social media, conduct cyber-attacks on her and intimidate her family in China.

Earlier on September 14, Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan had claimed that COVID-19 was made in a Wuhan laboratory. Yan, who was associated with the Hong Kong School of Public Health, had been researching on the coronavirus for a long time. The Chinese virologist claimed that during her research she came across that coronavirus was developed in a laboratory in China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan has claimed that the deadly coronavirus was developed in a government laboratory in Wuhan and also said that Chinese government was aware of the Covid-19 spread, in an interview with news channel WION.

Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan has claimed that the deadly coronavirus was developed in a government laboratory in Wuhan and also said that Chinese government was aware of the Covid-19 spread, in an interview with news channel WION. In an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma, Chinese virologist, who investigated the origin of the COVID-19 virus during the initial outbreak in Wuhan, said that she discovered a cover-up operation in Wuhan and said that the Chinese government knew about the spread of the virus before publicly acknowledging it. According to Dr Yan the World Health Organization (WHO) is very much part of the cover up. Wuhan wet market is just a smokescreen from the Chinese Communist Party, said Chinese virologist, on the origin of novel coronavirus. Dr Li-Meng Yan, who was a post-doctoral fellow in virology and immunology at Hong Kong School of Public Health said that she was muzzeled by her supervisors. Yan claims the Chinese government is now trying to tarnish her reputation through social media, conduct cyber-attacks on her and intimidate her family in China. Earlier on September 14, Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan had claimed that COVID-19 was made in a Wuhan laboratory. Yan, who was associated with the Hong Kong School of Public Health, had been researching on the coronavirus for a long time. The Chinese virologist claimed that during her research she came across that coronavirus was developed in a laboratory in China. (With inputs from agencies)

WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan

Watch the exclusive interview with Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan.

Chinese virologist Li-Meng Yan speaks to WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay

wuhan

Wuhan, News on Wuhan, stories on Wuhan, articles on Wuhan, Wuhan stories at Wion, Wuhan news, Wuhan latest news