The Star Late Edition

Essential to find virus’ origin

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HOW DEAFENING is the silence! Intellectu­al institutio­ns, researcher­s, investigat­ive journalist­s and political analysts have become mute in providing substantiv­e, evidence-based theories to provide an answer to the question “Where did the coronaviru­s originate?”

Nations all over the world have implemente­d physical distancing, lockdown and other protective measures, with the objective of containing the vicious spread of the virus. Most global citizens have adapted to, and are complying with the new normal.

However, the reality is that the true origin of the virus needs to be establishe­d in order to successful­ly find a feasible and corrective solution in combating the disease. This can be achieved only if all plausible points of departure are investigat­ed.

Propaganda being the order of the day, what with the Trump administra­tion squarely placing blame on China for the cause of the virus, it is not clear whether certain internatio­nal events that occurred late last year are intentiona­lly being overlooked.

One is the 2019 Military World Games in Wuhan, China, between October 18 and 27 and attended by more than 9 000 athletes from 110 countries. Pockets of returning athletes (mainly European and American as recorded in the skeletal informatio­n provided) fell ill following the end of the Games.

The few athletes, mainly French nationals who shared their experience­s, indicated that their symptoms were identical to the symptoms of the coronaviru­s.

The world is now aware of Covid19 and its devastatin­g impact, it is time for the World Health Organizati­on and all key stakeholde­rs to seriously explore the cases of the “mystery” illness that affected the clusters of athletes who attended the games.

Political campaigns aside, the pandemic is real and its impact on the socio-political stability of the globe is deadly. The source of the virus needs to be establishe­d as a matter of urgency in order for thorough research and planning to commence, and a feasible solution for the crisis to be found.

SIPHO DUBE | Bedfordvie­w

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