A federal website that used to feature information on vaccines, testing and treatment for COVID-19 has been transformed into a page supporting the theory that the pandemic originated with a lab leak.
The website shows a photo of President Donald Trump walking between the words 鈥渓ab鈥� and 鈥渓eak鈥� under a White House heading. It mentions that Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus first began spreading, is home to a research lab with a history of conducting virus research with 鈥渋nadequate biosafety levels.鈥�
The web page also accuses Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, of pushing a 鈥減referred narrative鈥� that COVID-19 originated in nature.
The have never been proven. Scientists are unsure whether the virus jumped from an animal, as many other viruses have, or came from a laboratory accident. A released in 2023 said there is insufficient evidence to prove either theory.
It鈥檚 common for government websites to get a makeover from one administration to the next, but the latest overhaul has been more extensive than usual. Public health data , particularly any information involving transgender people. The Pentagon also that were believed to celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion.
The covid.gov site used to include information on how to order free COVID tests and described how to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine, saying it's 鈥渢he best way you can protect you and your loved ones.鈥� It advised people how to get treatment right away if they get sick and added links to learn more information about long COVID.
About 325 Americans have on average over the past four weeks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of April 5, less than a quarter of adults in the U.S. have gotten an updated COVID vaccine. Millions worldwide have had , with dozens of , including fatigue and brain fog.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute鈥檚 Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The Associated Press
