The virus that causes Covid-19 has so far killed more than 3.5 million people worldwide, and in recent weeks, the debate over where it originated has grown ever more heated. Dr Wanda Markotter, head of the Centre for Viral Zoonoses at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, has extensive experience monitoring bat viruses. The virologist explains why finding the source of Covid-19 – whether by natural origin or through a lab leak – matters. In May, Dr Markotter was appointed co-chair of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel, which advises four international organisations including the World Health Organization, on how to improve our understanding of the emergence and spread of diseases that can potentially trigger pandemics. Related story: Lab leak or nature? Debate heats up on origins of Covid-19 virus https://sc.mp/tm30 Support us: https://subscribe.scmp.com Follow us on: Website: https://www.scmp.com Facebook: / scmp Twitter: / scmpnews Instagram: / scmpnews Linkedin: / south-china-morning-post #scmp #Coronavirus #Coronaviruspandemic:Allstories
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The virus that causes Covid-19 has so far killed more than 3.5 million people worldwide, and in recent weeks, the debate over where it originated has grown ever more heated. Dr Wanda Markotter, head of the Centre for Viral Zoonoses at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, has extensive experience monitoring bat viruses. The virologist explains why finding the source of Covid-19 – whether by natural origin or through a lab leak – matters. In May, Dr Markotter was appointed co-chair of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel, which advises four international organisations including the World Health Organization, on how to improve our understanding of the emergence and spread of diseases that can potentially trigger pandemics. Related story: Lab leak or nature? Debate heats up on origins of Covid-19 virus https://sc.mp/tm30 Support us: https://subscribe.scmp.com Follow us on: Website: https://www.scmp.com Facebook: / scmp Twitter: / scmpnews Instagram: / scmpnews Linkedin: / south-china-morning-post #scmp #Coronavirus #Coronaviruspandemic:Allstories