WHAT THE DEBATE ON THE ORIGIN OF COVID-19 HAS TOLD US ABOUT LABORATORY SAFETY AND SECURITY

The world has witnessed the most devastating pandemic facing humankind in more than a century. A critical question remains as to the origin of the virus responsible for this tragedy. Two theories have been put forward; that the virus spilled over from wild animals and infected humans who then spread the new virus to others, or that the virus somehow escaped a research laboratory. Both theories are plausible. While there is no direct evidence to suggest that the virus originated from a laboratory, the theory does offer an opportunity to review safety and security protocols that are designed to keep biocontainment facilities and the staff that work within them safe and secure. Advances in science and technology are greatly outpacing our ability to establish policies to mitigate risks in life science research and solutions will require international consensus building, sustained commitment, and effective collaborations.