According to Reuters a genetic study of samples from over 7,500 people infected with COVID-19 suggest that it started to spread globally in late 2019.<br />A study by University College London’s (UCL) Genetics Institute found nearly 200 recurrent genetic mutations of the new coronavirus - SARS-CoV-2, which shows how the virus may be evolving as it spreads. <br />Francois Balloux, a UCL professor who co-led the research said that all viruses mutate and there's no proof whether or not COVID-19 is getting more or less contagious. <br />He explains, “All viruses naturally mutate. Mutations in themselves are not a bad thing and there is nothing to suggest SARS-CoV-2 is mutating faster or slower than expected.” <br />Studies also show that the virus was already being quickly transmitted, extensively around the world from late 2019, when COVID-19 jumped from a previous animal host into people.<br />Earlier this week, French scientists said a French man was infected with COVID-19 as early as Dec. 27, almost a month before France confirmed its first cases.<br /> Balloux adds, “If we focus our efforts on parts of the virus that are less likely to mutate, we have a better chance of developing drugs that will be effective in the long run."
