A large majority of Americans believe that the virus responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak came from a laboratory in China, including a majority of Republicans and Democrats.
WHY IT MATTERS – The widespread nature of this belief makes it more likely Americans will support a potential ban on so-called “gain of function” research on viruses, as well as a tougher posture toward China.
CHINA VIRUS – A YouGov poll revealed:
- 66 percent of Americans — have decided it is or probably true that the COVID-19 virus began in a lab in China.
- This includes 85 percent of Republicans and 53 percent of Democrats.
LEAKED ON PURPOSE? – By 46 percent to 34 percent, Americans say it’s definitely or probably true that the virus responsible for COVID-19 was released intentionally.
- This includes two-thirds of Republicans but just 35 percent of Democrats.
LACK OF CONFIDENCE– The poll also revealed that most Americans favor a congressional investigation into the origins of COVID-19. However, only 35 percent are convinced the inquiry will be able to find the source of COVID-19 to its fullest extent.
THE BOTTOM LINE – Despite aggressive messaging from the scientific and public health establishment decrying the lab leak hypothesis as a “conspiracy theory,” several U.S. agencies have concluded it is likely. Americans across party lines say it is definitely or probably true that the virus liable for COVID-19 originated in a Chinese laboratory.
GO DEEPER –