Conspiracy theories continue to sweep the internet despite numerous debunked claims about how COVID-19 came about or if the novel coronavirus was intentionally spread.
New 'Whistleblower' Linked to Steve Bannon
Earlier this week, Li-Meng Yan, who appeared on Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" said she had evidence regarding the true origins of the novel coronavirus.
However, Forbes columnist Bruce Y. Lee said Yan's statements didn't specify how COVID-19 started and show-host Carlson didn't ask Yan to provide further evidence regarding the whistleblower's claims.
Carlson introduced Yan as a virologist but he didn't ask about her experience in studying viruses. Furthermore, Lee pointed out that Yan's paper on the novel coronavirus posted on Zenodo appeared more of an opinion piece.
Finally, Lee wrote that Yan and other researchers for the COVID-19 paper posted on Zenodo had the Rule of Law Society and Rule of Law Foundation as affiliation.
The Rule of Law Society's website has a video of Steve Bannon, who was a strategist for U.S. President Donald Trump. Bannon is known for his comments against people of Asian descent.
Bill Gates: Conspiracy Theories Surprising
Microsoft Founder Bill Gates expressed his thoughts about conspiracy theories indicating that rich people like himself helped spread the novel coronavirus.
"I'm very surprised by the course of these conspiracy theories and, of course, the ones involving me," Bill Gates says.
Gates' comments came following claims that he helped promote COVID-19 so microchips might be implanted on people. Gates believes his name was dragged in to conspiracy theories because of his talks about "the risk of a pandemic" about five years ago.
Gates hopes that "the truth will get out" and people will develop a strong desire to protect themselves from pandemics such as COVID-19.
Frustration In Ohio On False Claims
Frustration is mounting among Americans as COVID-19 conspiracy theories continue to spread through social media platforms.
In Ohio, a recent theory alleged that Gov. Mike DeWine was leading the construction of camps that would separate parents from their children - prompting talk and confusion among the public.
DeWine's government had to come out and debunk the claims but this wasn't the first time the administration was brought into the hot seat since COVID-19 emerged.
Earlier this year, there were claims that the bridges across the Ohio River would be closed as part of government efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The claims, in March, didn't transpire and Ohio remains outside of the U.S. top 10 list of hardest-hit states. It has 140,518 confirmed coronavirus cases and around 4,555 deaths.
