There's always a possibility a group of conspirators got together to hatch a plot. For example, to reduce the population. Personally I doubt it. Putin, has been trying to increase population in his country so why go along with said conspiracy?
I'm convinced what we're seeing today is the typical mass hysteria and delusion described by Freud and Jung. The most probable cause would seem to be huge changes brought about by the global internet. Human beings now experience less challenge, less adrenaline, far less social interaction coupled with physical health issues. This latter caused by a sedate lifestyle governed by Social Media. Something had to give. And it did. We never evolved to be so sedate and cocooned.
Given the background and context, we see the onset of mass hysteria. I would say some 80 per cent of the local polulation suffer undeniable hyperchondria and anxiety. Most of my family and most friends. My best friend's daughter - a qualified lawyer- fears the virus will creep through the walls of her house. Most others are to be witnessed driving a car alone and muzzled. Very many of these people have weakish immune systems. What they exhibit isn't fight or flight fear but phobia and anxiety.
The other worrying side of it is a large percentage of the conspiracy theorists I met also show signs of hysteria. Only the persecution outline has altered. Instead of the actual virus, it's simply the malignancy of the plot behind it all that creates anxiety. Yet, both distinct groups themselves form the plot, which is itself the product of hysteria. The actual core behind all of it is deep insecurity over the future, jobs, purpose.
The result? Possibly a variant of the common cold may turn out to become the real killer. As millions of people worldwide seriously embrace a new religion that teaches we can avoid illness by social withdrawel, the net result should be a defenceless immune system. And no defence against even mild viruses.
Is there a solution? I'm pretty certain that a return to pre global internet society would...
Force people to man offices
Learn more skilled occupations.
Assume real responsibility and face up to risk
Do sports
Go out and socialise as people have done for millenia
And so on......