The U.S. Energy Department has concluded that the Covid pandemic most likely arose from a laboratory leak, according to a classified intelligence report
That report has now been provided to the White House and key members of Congress.
The shift by the Energy Department is a significant development – joining the FBI in saying the virus likely spread via a mishap at a Chinese lab.
Four other agencies still judge that it was likely the result of natural transmission.
The Energy Department’s conclusion is the result of new intelligence and is significant because the agency oversees a network of U.S. national laboratories, some of which conduct advanced biological research.