The Coronavirus Collection: Conspiracy Theories
Snopes investigates conspiracy theories about the origins, discovery, and official responses to the novel coronavirus and COVID-19.
Various alternative theories have emerged to challenge the so-called “official narrative” recounting the emergence and discovery of the novel coronavirus, and how national governments have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read our fact checks of those claims below.
Check out the other categories to read the rest of our COVID-19 fact checks.
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The Origins and Scientific Failings of the COVID-19 ‘Bioweapon’ Conspiracy Theory
The coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 has deadly adaptations that make it perfect for infecting humans. But this is a testament to natural selection, not bioengineering.
Did a Chinese Intelligence Officer Reveal the ‘Truth About the Coronavirus Outbreak’?
A piece of horror fiction was a little too believable for some readers.
Does George Soros Own a Lab That ‘Developed’ COVID-19?
Somehow, some way, business magnate George Soros gets accused of being involved in almost every politically contentious event.
Was Charles Lieber Arrested for Selling the COVID-19 Coronavirus to China?
The arrest of a Harvard professor fueled conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 coronavirus disease outbreak in 2020.
Does ‘Every Election Year’ Have a Coinciding Disease?
A conspiratorial meme about disease outbreaks got a number of key facts wrong.
Is the ‘Umbrella Corporation’ Logo Oddly Similar to a Wuhan Biotech Lab’s?
Some concern arose over apparent connections between the video game "Resident Evil" and a new coronavirus outbreak.
Is This Train Car Carrying ‘COVID-19’?
It's puzzling why more conspirators aren't caught when they operate so brazenly.
Was a Suitcase Full of Dead Birds from China Seized at Dulles Airport?
A relatively mundane incident went viral due in part to rising fears about an outbreak of a new coronavirus.
Is China Seeking Approval to Kill 20,000 Coronavirus Patients?
A disreputable website spread unfounded claims in the wake of a new coronavirus outbreak.
Do Sulfur Emissions from Wuhan, China, Point to Mass Cremation of Coronavirus Victims?
A data map that appeared in a popular Twitter thread did not show what some people claimed.
Were Ventilators Found ‘Stashed’ in a Warehouse in New York?
Social media posts painted a misleading picture about the plan for distributing ventilators amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Was a 5G Tower Torn Down in China To Stop COVID-19?
This video is real, but it has nothing to do with 5G or the coronavirus pandemic.
