Updated Mar 15, 2021 | 17:21 IST
China-based scientists have found four viruses that are similar to SARS-CoV-2. Of these, RpYN06 was found to have almost the same genetic make-up as the virus that is responsible for COVID-19. Representational image | Photo Credit: AP
Beijing: Scientists have claimed that a bat virus, discovered recently in China, is 94.5 per cent similar to COVID-19.
Researchers based at Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences in Taian, China said RpYN06 virus s genetic make-up is similar to SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
The researchers had carried out their study in China s Yunnan province between May 2019 and November 2020. The researchers restricted their area of study to a small region of the province.