And there's been mutations in the virus since the initial exposure. How could that happen? How can a virus change its genetic code without a lab to do it?!?!!/s

And there's been mutations in the virus since the initial exposure. How could that happen? How can a virus change its genetic code without a lab to do it?!?!!/s Regardless of the source, it was dangerous but could have been better mitigated if it was taken seriously as a threat (not just a "common cold").