(NewsNation) — President Joe Biden has yet to release a declassified report on the origins of COVID-19, despite a June 18 deadline.
However, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that three scientists who worked at a lab in Wuhan, China, became ill in November 2019 with symptoms similar to COVID.
Jamie Metzl, a member of a World Health Organization advisory committee, considers this information significant and calls on U.S. authorities, particularly the Chinese government, to continue seeking answers.
“If it is proven that one of these three scientists was the first COVID-19 patient, it would completely support the research-related origin hypothesis,” said Metzl during an interview on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports.” “We haven’t reached that point yet, but that is why we need to keep investigating.”
The declassified intelligence report should provide more details, even though U.S. intelligence agencies are divided on the virus’ origin. The FBI and Department of Energy believe it resulted from a lab leak, while other agencies suggest a natural occurrence from a wet market.
This uncertainty has led to a significant political divide in Washington and across the country. However, both sides agree that China has engaged in deception.
“Everyone should be outraged by this extensive cover-up, which includes destroying samples, concealing records, and imprisoning journalists. Chinese scientists are under a gag order,” said Metzl. “We would already know the origins of COVID-19 if not for the politically motivated Chinese government. But that doesn’t mean we can do nothing. We must continue to exert pressure at every opportunity.”
Metzl also called for whistleblower protections for Chinese individuals with relevant information.
“People in China want to speak up,” Metzl stated. “We need to work with the World Health Organization and continue pressing forward. Cooperation would be ideal, but we do not have it.”