India seeks further studies on WHO-convened global study on the origins of COVID-19

India on Thursday supported the World Health Orgsation (WHO) convened global study on the origins of COVID-19, saying it is an "important first step" and further studies deserve cooperation of all.

"WHO is undertaking global study, it is an important first step. You recall our statement, we also sought cooperation for further studies," External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at the weekly media briefing.

Bagchi had said on May 28 said that WHO convened global study on the origin of COVID-19 is an important first step.

"It stressed the need for next phase studies as also for further data and studies to reach robust conclusions. The follow up of the WHO report and further studies deserve the understanding and cooperation of all," he had said

Reports have said that the WHO is expected to restudy the "dominant theory" that the SARS-CoV-2 probably originated and spread across the world from China's Wuhan lab.

According to CNN, previously overlooked Chinese data on extensive screening of mals for coronavirus around the time the pandemic erupted is among several areas identified for further study by WHO scientists investigating the origins of the virus, as per a source.

The records are contained in a nearly 200-page annexe posted alongside the WHO panel's March report that received little attention among global experts at the time. However, no date has been set for the team's return to China, but the source said any future visit to the country -- where the virus emerged in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, in late 2019 -- may involve "smaller groups supporting specific studies first.

The WHO team investigating the origins of coronavirus visited the Hubei Center for mal disease control and prevention in Wuhan on February 2, 2021.

( With inputs from ANI )

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