Renowned virologist Dr. Shi Zhengli has extensively studied and worked with dozens of coronavirus strains in her Wuhan Institute of Virology lab. She categorically rejects speculation that SARS-CoV-2 escaped from her facility as groundless.
On December 30, 2019, while at a conference in Shanghai, Dr. Shi received an urgent call from her boss. Mysterious samples had arrived at the institute, initial tests pointing to a novel coronavirus fueling an outbreak. She recalls wondering, "Could it be from our lab?"
Returning immediately, Dr. Shi directed her team to sequence the full viral genomes and rigorously retest. She cross-checked samples with another lab and scoured records for any mishandled viruses.
Relief came with the results: no matches to her team's viruses. The closest shared just 96% similarity—a significant gap by virological measures. Exhausted after sleepless days, she shared this with Scientific American months later.
Over a year and a half on, her lab remains under scrutiny.
Once dismissed as conspiracy, the idea of an accidental lab leak has new weight after a Science letter from 20 scientists urged serious investigation.
A Wall Street Journal report, citing U.S. intelligence from the Trump era, noted three unnamed Wuhan lab workers hospitalized in November 2019 with symptoms "compatible with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses."
Recently, President Biden tasked U.S. intelligence with deeper probes into COVID-19 origins, acknowledging the lab escape possibility.
Most scientists stress no direct evidence supports a lab origin, but without full access, it can't be ruled out entirely. The community demands transparency from China.
Chinese officials defend their record: "China takes origin research seriously with a responsible attitude and has made positive, widely recognized contributions," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. He added, "If the U.S. wants full transparency, it should invite WHO experts as China did."
Dr. Shi denies her lab held SARS-CoV-2 pre-pandemic. Contacted by the New York Times last week, she stated unequivocally: no.
She dismissed reports of three researchers with flu-like symptoms in November 2019: "The Wuhan Institute of Virology has no record of such cases," she told the Times. "If possible, provide names for verification."
Praised by Dr. Robert C. Gallo of the University of Maryland as a "stellar, extremely careful scientist with a rigorous work ethic," Dr. Shi had long warned of coronavirus risks, building key databases and publishing foundational SARS-CoV-2 papers relied on globally.
Frustrated yet resolute, she affirms: "I did nothing wrong. So I have nothing to fear."
