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Comment by Scott Alexander

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The new map provides extra evidence for natural origins, showing several previously-unmentioned infected animals and animal vendors. A natural interpretation is that one part of the CCP was trying to cover this up and another part accidentally released it (although a conspiratorial explanation is that this is an op meant to trick us into believing that.)
AI Verified (Apr 23, 2026)
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Scott Alexander, "Links For April 2026," Astral Codex Ten, April 23, 2026.
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The clustering of early cases around the Huanan market reflects where the COVID-19 virus emerged, not just where testing looked
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AI Verified The quote is directly about Huanan market evidence and natural origins, so it clearly bears on whether the market reflects the virus's emergence. Model: gpt-5. · Hector Perez Arenas gpt-5 · 2mo ago
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AI Verified The quote says the new map provides extra evidence for natural origins and infected animals/vendors, which supports the statement. Recorded answer 'for' matches. Model: gpt-5. · Hector Perez Arenas gpt-5 · 2mo ago

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AI Verified Matches ACX line 110: the map is cited as evidence for natural origins and infected animals/vendors. Source URL contains the quoted wording. Model: gpt-5. · Hector Perez Arenas gpt-5 · 2mo ago
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