Trump turns Covid info website into lab leak promotion page | World News
A US government website that once helped people find information about Covid-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments has been changed into a page that promotes the theory the virus leaked from a lab, according to a report Associated Press (AP).
The covid.gov site now shows a photo of President Donald Trump walking between the words “lab” and “leak” under a White House banner. The new version of the site claims that Wuhan, China – where COVID-19 was first detected – is home to a lab that has worked on viruses with “inadequate biosafety levels.”
The page also accuses Dr Anthony Fauci, who led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, of pushing a “preferred narrative” that the virus came from nature, not a lab.
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However, scients say no one knows for sure where COVID-19 came from. Many experts believe it may have jumped from animals to humans – as other viruses have in the past – but a lab accident hasn’t been ruled out either. A US intelligence report from 2023 said there wasn’t enough proof to support either theory.
Government websites usually get updates when a new president takes office. But according to AP, this latest revamp has been more sweeping. Important public health information, especially anything related to transgender people, has been removed. The Pentagon has also taken down photos seen as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The previous covid.gov site helped people order free test kits and gave advice on staying up to date with COVID vaccinations, calling them “the best way you can protect you and your loved ones.” It also included guidance on getting treatment early and linked to resources about long Covid.
Covid-19 is still affecting lives. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 325 Americans died from the virus each week in the past month. As of 5 April, fewer than 25% of adults in the US had received the latest Covid shot. Millions of people around the world continue to suffer from long Covid, with symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.
(With Inputs from AP)
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