The possibility of a leak of the coronavirus from the laboratory requires further research, according to a report published by a group of scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, a preliminary report from scientists investigating the origins of the coronavirus and other emerging pathogens notes that the team has not been provided with any new data to assess the possibility of a laboratory leak as a route for SARS-CoV-2 to enter the human population, The Hill reported.

All currently available evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 originated in animals, with the most closely related viruses found in bats in China in 2013 and in Laos in 2020. However, the researchers said the missing data meant they were unable to identify either the animal that infected people or the location where the infection could have occurred. The scientists said it remains important to consider all reasonable scientific evidence to assess the possibility of a laboratory incident.

The inconclusive nature of the report is likely to further fuel the debate about where the coronavirus came from and how it first infected people.

Panel members from Brazil, China and Russia objected to the inclusion of further studies evaluating the possibility of a laboratory incident because there is no new scientific evidence.

The WHO convened SAGO following widespread criticism of a joint WHO-China investigation in 2021. A 2021 report called a lab leak highly unlikely and suggested that spread from animals was the most plausible theory.

The White House said it believed China has not been transparent in releasing its findings on the origins of COVID-19 and the World Health Organization has been severely limited in its investigation.