Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

1.7.2020

SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh coronavirus known to infect humans, others being SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, HKU1, OC43, NL63 and 229E. Comparative analysis of available genetic data of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses provides evidence about the possible origin of SARS-CoV-2 from bat coronaviruses and support the notion that natural selection facilitated the emergence of SARS-CoV-2[1].

The available genetic evidence indicates that natural selection in an animal host before zoonotic transfer or natural selection in humans following zoonotic transfer have occurred. There is no evidence to support the claim that the virus is a result of manipulation.

As zoonotic transmission of coronaviruses and other viruses (e.g. influenza) is often observed and reported, according to currently available information this remains the most plausible and probable scenario for the crossing of the species barrier to humans.

The EU strongly favours a global and multilateral response to counter COVID-19 and its implications to the global heath and economy. Regarding the causes and the circumstances under which COVID-19 had spread, the EU and its Member States have spearheaded a resolution adopted by the World Health Organisation World Health Assembly on 19 May 2020, calling on all countries to work with the relevant international organisations to identify the zoonotic source of the virus.

• [1] https://nextstrain.org/groups/blab/sars-like-cov