Incidentally, this is also very much my own thinking on the matter, as is the response by
#AI.
As you rightly present, though, the majority of the available evidence does indicate a natural origin, a.k.a. spillover event as has happened earlier as well. Virologists have noted how such events happen, and it is pretty much expected that such events will happen in the future.
So, the emphasis ought to be on preparedness, and what can practically be done when such an event happens. What would humankind do to take steps for mitigation when there is another outbreak, or what are we doing presently that can be improved upon so that the response to the Covid-19 pandemic is in proportion to the understood risk, taking into account that human society is divided into many levels? Clearly, the involvement of local governing bodies with international surveillance is critical. And, we must root out arrogant, anti-scientific movements that do it out of greed and selfishness.
We definitely need better communication of intentions and plans, and we need transparency.
Thanks.👍