SARS-CoV-2, the virus known to cause COVID-19, likely jumped from animals to humans and the possibility of the virus coming from a laboratory appears highly unlikely, stated the head of an international team probing the origins of COVID-19.

Dr. Peter Ben Embarek, from the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that according to the initial findings from the investigation, it seems likely that the virus was introduced through an intermediary host species, and it needs more studies and further targeted research.

Evidence indicates that bats are a natural reservoir for the novel coronavirus. However, this possibility has been excluded in Wuhan by the experts, as bats are not found anywhere close to the city. It appears that the virus possibly came through the food chain, via frozen food products, which provide a favorable surface for transmission… (UN, February 9, 2021)