[s1artibartfast]

>Thirdly, this paper emphasizes the strong impact of the COVID pandemic and asserts that understanding the origins of the virus would necessarily aid in preventing future pandemics.

I strongly disagree. If of natural origin, there are a plethora of simple controls that could be implemented. Control doesn't necessarily need to be perfect. Some simple controls could be restrictions or bans on Commercial trade or transport of high-risk animals. If not of natural origin, it obviously indicates that BSL4 controls are inadequate or inconsistently applied. A simple but perhaps costly solution might be to not certify bsl4 Laboratories in dense Urban settings.

[tripletao]

I generally agree, but would note that the WIV worked with novel natural or synthetic bat-origin viruses at BSL-2 or -3, mostly not BSL-4. From an interview with Dr. Shi:

> A: The coronavirus research in our laboratory is conducted in BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratories. [...]

https://web.archive.org/web/20210727042832/https://www.scien...

[tgsovlerkhgsel]

I believe the research on the bat viruses was being done under BSL-2 conditions, which basically means normal lab practices, an autoclave for waste, and some of the work needs to be done in a biosafety cabinet. Of course, that assumes the procedures are strictly followed.

[echelon]

BSL-2 biosafety cabinets only have laminar flow hoods. They're effectively open air and depend upon proper protocols being followed.

Typically you're more concerned about what's getting into your BSL-2 hood than out.