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COVID-19 Origin Debate 2020-2021

Debate over the origin of COVID-19, including natural origin and laboratory leak theories, and the role of The Lancet in the discussion.

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Jan 17, 2026
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What were the full timelines and texts of the Lancet letters on COVID‑19 origins and subsequent corrections?

The Lancet first published a 27‑author statement on Feb 19, 2020, endorsing the view that SARS‑CoV‑2 most likely had a natural origin and “strongly condemn[ing] conspiracy theories” to the contrary, a...

Jan 17, 2026
Most Viewed

How did media coverage change after the Feb 2020 Lancet letter—was there a measurable shift in framing of the lab‑leak hypothesis?

The February 19, 2020 Lancet letter that “strongly condemn[ed] conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID‑19 does not have a natural origin” is widely credited by reporters and some scientists with set...