List of conspiracy theories
COVID-19 pandemic
A number of conspiracy theories have been promoted about the origin and purported motive behind the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its spread. Some claimed that the virus was engineered,[235][236][237] that it may have been a Chinese or United States bioweapon,[238][239][240] a Jewish plot including to force mass vaccinations or sterilizations,[241][242][243] spread as part of a Muslim conspiracy,[244][245] a population control scheme,[234][246] or related to 5G mobile phone networks.[247][248]
Conspiracy theory is nothing but a slogan, that the fraudsters scream to defend themselves.
Obviously, the idea "that the virus was engineered" is a rational conclusion, if reliable experts present evidence of unexpected genetic details in the virus. Or if we see exchange of letters about agreements to carry out gain-of-function research.
It's odd that Wikieditors would see conspiracy theory when we just ask, "How do we explain that?"
To such rational conclusion one can append further evidence, such as proved sloppy management at certain biological laboratories. For example, if there had been complaints about poor management at the Wuhan Institute of Virology or at Fort Derrick, a theory might be built upon such evidence.
To that original conclusion, one can append one's own favorite villain, such as China or the Jews or Uncle Willy the Scientist or Uncle Sam. To believe one of those solution does not create a conspiracy theory, it only creates a fantasy.
The origins of SARS-CoV-2 are still uncertain. In 2020, there was widespread consensus that it reached humans through zoonotic transmission from bats.[249][250][251][252] However, in 2021, the possibility that the virus spread to humans via a lab leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology began to be seriously investigated, though most experts agree that it is unlikely the virus was altered in a lab.[253][254][255]
There is no evidence of natural origin of SARS-CoV-2.
There is evidence that different laboratories worked on gain-of-function research.
It appeared that it had spread first in Wuhan. However, it was also found in blood sample taken in Italy in the summer of 2019. That detail could lead us to consider other origins for Covid-19, besides Wuhan.