Fauci Affirms COVID Likely Originated Naturally

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), maintains his belief that the COVID-19 pandemic was more likely a “natural occurrence” rather than a lab leak.

Fauci also acknowledges that social distancing guidance seemingly appeared without clear origins, and he vaguely recalls seeing studies supporting the masking of children.

The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic has released transcripts of Fauci’s closed-door testimony from January. Committee Chair Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, unveiled the transcripts and a 17-page memo outlining key points ahead of Fauci’s upcoming public hearing on Monday on Capitol Hill, marking his first appearance since leaving government.

While Fauci admits the lab leak theory is not without merit, he remains committed to the belief that COVID likely originated naturally.

Fauci explained in January, “I believe the evidence I’ve seen supports the theory of a natural occurrence, but I remain open-minded. Some people may misconstrue this as a conspiracy theory, but it’s important to keep an open mind and explore all possibilities.”

The controversy revolves around the alleged absence of gain-of-function (GoF) research at the Wuhan Lab in China, a point that Fauci strongly refutes. Republicans accuse him of manipulating the definition of GoF, a charge he denies.

Fauci also admitted that the 6-feet social distancing rule was arbitrary and lacked scientific basis.

Regarding masks and children, Fauci stated in January that he did not distinctly recall reviewing studies supporting this practice. He acknowledged conflicting findings on the topic and emphasized the need for further research.

Fauci also mentioned that vaccine mandates were inadequately studied prior to the pandemic.

“We need to evaluate the impact of vaccine mandates on public psyche and determine whether they are effective or counterproductive in the current social climate,” Fauci stated.

Fauci departed NIAID at the end of December.