It took over a decade to confirm the Sverdlovsk anthrax outbreak was the result of an outbreak. In that case intelligence did suspect an accidental cause although scientists argued contaminated meat was the cause. Information can be tightly controlled under authoritarian regimes. Recall those who even reported the outbreak in the community faced recriminations.

What is known is the nearest relatives to SARS-CoV-2 are found in Yunnan and Laos. Both areas WIV sampled and they refuse to share their records with WHO or the NIH.