DISINFO: American biolaboratory in Armenia is the epicentre of the spread of new coronavirus in the region
SUMMARY
COVID-19 distribution source found in Armenia. American biological laboratory in Armenia is the epicentre of the spread of new coronavirus infection in the region.
RESPONSE
Conspiracy theory about the coronavirus, based on recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about biological weapons, consistent with the Pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign against biological laboratories in Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine and other countries. The story fits the broader set of conspiracy theories on the supposed man-made origins of various infectious diseases. There is no evidence to suggest that the virus was fabricated inside laboratories. The virus "2019-nCoV” comes from a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as SARS and MERS. The medical Journal “Emerging Microbes & Infections” specifically said there is “No credible evidence supporting claims of the laboratory engineering.”