A number of theories have been doing the rounds, claiming that the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is a genetically modified version of the virus that has been used as a bioweapon. Now, it’s come to light that the theory is truly false, after a paper published in Nature Magazine says that the virus had naturally developed this particular strain.
“By comparing the available genome sequence data for known coronavirus strains, we can firmly determine that SARS-CoV-2 originated through natural processes,” said Kristian Andersen, associate professor of immunology and microbiology at Scripps and corresponding author of the study, while speaking to science website biospace.com.
Thinking about it, if the coronavirus was actually a man-made weapon the rate of death would have been a lot faster had it been genetically modified.
Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all state governments to make sure people adhere to the guidelines issued by the Centre on the lockdown. Modi said that many people are not taking the lockdown seriously and breaking rules. “Strict action will be taken against the violators,” a release from the Prime Minister’s Office said. The Centre on Sunday announced a lockdown in more than 75 districts of India. The state governments of Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttarakhand announced a complete lockdown of their states too. Under the rules of the lockdown, only essential services like milk, groceries, pharmacies will be available. The total number of active coronavirus cases has risen to 359 in the country, with seven confirmed deaths, according to the latest data from the health ministry. So far, 23 infected persons have recovered. Maharashtra has recorded two deaths, while Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Punjab have recorded one death each. The coronavirus pandemic has spread to 23 states and union territories. Maharashtra has accounted for the highest number of cases at 64, followed by Kerala at 60. Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have recorded 28 and 27 cases, respectively.