A World Health Organisation (WHO) team in China to probe the origins of Covid-19 had “extensive discussions” and exchanges with scientists in Wuhan where the outbreak was first detected, a spokesman said, according to Reuters.

“The team had extensive discussions with Chinese counterparts and received updates on epidemiological studies, biologic and genetic analysis and animal health research,” Christian Lindmeier told reporters, saying these included video discussions with Wuhan virologists and scientists.

The results of the WHO investigation are keenly awaited by scientists and governments around the world, none more so than Washington, which lobbied hard for the mission. The Trump administration accuses the WHO of being China-centric and plans to leave the agency over its handling of the pandemic.