[bwi4]

So what would evidence, rather than speculation, look like in this case? A SARS-CoV 2 genome sequence dated before December 2019? Somehow identifying patient zero and corresponding records of their exposure at the lab? I’m skeptical that any hard evidence will be found. It seems to me the origin is likely to remain speculative indefinitely.

[tim333]

If it was the lab someone involved in the research may talk. If it's natural we may find the animal source. The Chinese have not been terribly cooperative with investigating things though so it may remain speculative.

[jupp0r]

That's only true if the man made hypothesis was true. It is quite possible we'll find this exact virus in bats or other animals at some point.

[casefields]

NSA/CIA intelligence catching them red handed discussing how it happened. Of course, with the Iraq fiasco still in our collective memory, who knows if the public would believe it.