Coronavirus research at key Wuhan institute disrupted by rumors

Recent rumors and misinformation targeting the Wuhan Institute of Virology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have seriously disturbed its research against the novel coronavirus epidemic, but it has "a clear conscience and no regrets" and will remain steadfast in continuing its work to fight the virus, the institute said in a public letter late on Wednesday.

The institute, which is the top virology research agency in China established in 1956 and home to Asia's highest-level biosafety lab, has been besieged by rumors and controversies since the outbreak. These rumors included the virus being artificially engineered or leaked from the institute's P4 biosecurity lab.

They also attacked the institute's leaders and its staff, claiming the first patient of the virus was a graduate student from the institute and questioning the competence of the head of the institute.

"These rumors have seriously harmed our researchers at the front line, and seriously disrupted our institute's research missions to combat the epidemic," the letter said.

The letter said its researchers have worked tirelessly, overcame many obstacles and produced numerous crucial and timely discoveries, including publishing the full genome of the virus, identifying viral strains for vaccine and drug development, creating animal test models and diagnosing patients.

"Looking back at all the hard work we have done in the past month, we have a clear conscience and no regrets," it said. "Research is the front line against the epidemic. Let us firm our resolve, tune out distractions, and jointly devote ourselves to our research and our work."

Over the past week, the institute issued multiple statements refuting rumors implying the institute was responsible for the novel coronavirus outbreak first discovered in Wuhan.

One statement was made on Monday by researcher Chen Quanjiao after a Sina Weibo user called "Weiketiezhi" posted a claim that Chen reported the head of the institute Wang Yanyi because she had "sold experimental animals" to the Huanan Seafood Market and "leaked the virus" from a lab.

"I never released any information on reporting others and I'm in great indignation for people who use my name to fabricate a reported message," Chen said in her statement released on the institute's website on Monday.

"The recent rumors on the institute have affected the researchers tackling of key problems. We hope the public can keep a high alert on relevant conspiracies and destructive activities," said Chen, adding that she will hold people who slander her legally liable.

Local internet surveillance authorities in Jiangsu province released a public statement on Monday saying they have traced the account spreading the rumor to an overseas IP and an organization that specializes in propagating anti-China content. "Netizens should keep their eyes open and not be misled by others," it said.