⚠️ UNC COVID LAB ACCIDENTS & ACCOUNTABILITY TIMELINE
How UNC and The News & Observer failed the public
📅 2015–2020
- UNC-Chapel Hill reports 28 laboratory accidents involving genetically engineered viruses to NIH.
- 6 of these accidents involved genetically engineered coronaviruses.
➡️ No public notice. No state investigation.
📅 April 2020
- Researcher bitten on finger by mouse infected with an engineered SARS-CoV-2 variant — while COVID pandemic raging worldwide.
➡️ Researcher quarantined. Public not informed.
📅 August 17, 2020
- ProPublica investigation exposes UNC’s accident record.
➡️ Minimal coverage in NC media. No follow-up by News & Observer.
📅 2020–2024
- UNC continues high-risk virology work.
- No public hearings. No accountability from UNC Board or NC Legislature.
➡️ N&O silent. No investigative series.
📅 2020 –2025
- Public records confirm:
- ✅ 28 total accidents
- ✅ 6 coronavirus-related accidents
- ✅ 1 documented SARS-CoV-2 exposure
- Zero state oversight. Zero UNC reform. Zero N&O investigation.
➡️ UNC lab work expanding.
🚨 SUMMARY
- 🦠 28 accidents