Virologist Susan Weiss of UPenn rejects any suggestions of a research-related origin for SARS2, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight in pathogen research. Weiss admits to not reading the DEFUSE proposal and asserts that a lab worker being infected with SARS-CoV-2 would constitute a zoonotic origin, not a lab leak. There is criticism regarding her lack of familiarity with key information on COVID origins.
1) "amid unproven theories" Even when reporting on a press release, some reporters can't help but editorialise about the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Guess what Sarah Owermohle reported when Trump first cut off EcoHealth Alliance's NIH grant. 👇 https://t.co/TeXdWiLJBF https://t.co/LiLhF6HZzJ
The most remarkable thing, by far, for me, in today's Brookings event on covid origins: Susan Weiss claiming she has not read the DEFUSE proposal, and Jason Bannan responding by basically saying, well, then, you should listen while adults are speaking.
***BREAKING*** Virologist Susan Weiss asserts that if COVID-19 came from a lab worker being infected w/ SARS-CoV-2, this would not be a "lab leak" but rather a zoonotic origin (because it would be a jump from a non-human to a human) The public is tired of this BS. https://t.co/YmAhPiunzY
***BREAKING*** Virologist Susan Weiss admits she has not read the DEFUSE proposal, nor is she familiar with other information relevant to COVID origins. https://t.co/ofVrlfZ5nP
In lessons learned from the C-19 pandemic, UPenn's virology professor Susan Weiss today confirms she REJECTS OUTRIGHT any &all credible suggestions of SARS2 having a research-related origin &that regulatory oversight of risky pathogen research is in need of any improvements…