The World Health Organization (WHO) appealed to China to share information about the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and provide access to related research. The appeal came on the fifth anniversary of the first reports of a mysterious "viral pneumonia" in Wuhan province, which was later identified as Covid-19.
The Guardian writes , the WHO emphasized that revealing the origin of the virus is of key importance for preventing future epidemics and pandemics. "Adequate preparation for new global challenges is impossible without a full understanding of how such viruses arise," the organization emphasizes.
The coronavirus, which has caused the death of about seven million people, has dealt a significant blow to the world economy and health care. Researchers believe that its origin may be related to a market in Wuhan, where traces of infection were found in animals.
However, the question of the origin of the virus remains controversial. In early December, a Republican-led committee of the US House of Representatives concluded a two-year investigation. The report states that SARS-CoV-2 is likely of laboratory origin and spread through a leak from a laboratory in Wuhan. Chinese officials deny these allegations and emphasize the natural origin of the virus.
At the same time, the pandemic left a lasting impact on the world. Research shows that people's habits have changed significantly. Staying at home for a long time, which has become the norm during quarantine, can change the structure of cities and districts.
The new challenge associated with Covid-19 is the XEC strain, which has already been detected in 27 countries around the world. Experts fear that this option may become dominant and create new risks for health care systems.
