Where did COVID-19 come from? Here’s what we know. | JUST THE FAQS

Findings from the U.S. Energy Department say the COVID-19 virus most likely originated from a lab leak in China. Here's what we know about the theory.
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The Energy Department has now concluded with "low confidence" that the COVID-19 pandemic most likely began after an unintentional laboratory leak in China, according to the Wall Street Journal, which cited a classified intelligence report provided to the White House and members of Congress.

There are two competing theories about what started the COVID-19 pandemic in China: that the virus jumped from animals to humans at a market, and that it was accidentally leaked from a lab where researchers were studying coronaviruses. Neither has had enough evidence so far to be conclusive.

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