Coronavirus has continued to ravish the planet since cases were first detected in Wuhan, China, last November. More than 860,000 people have tested positive for influenza-strain COVID-19, which had led to 42,361 deaths as of Wednesday morning. As the world begins to learn more about the likely origin of the outbreak, currently believed to be the wet markets of China, increasing debate goes on about the cultural practices in the nation. The outdoor food hubs are known for selling wild animals in close captivity, which most westerners would be cautious to try. It has been suggested that the consumption of either bats, snakes or pangolins could have led to the initial coronavirus cases. But online, different theories have emerged, from the crazed suggestion that the US government released the virus deliberately and countless others. One that has gained particular traction relates to the Black Death and the quarantine practices of the past.
The world’s eyes descend on China, as they consider implementing policy that could limit or even ban their wet markets – to avoid any potential future spread of disease.
Wuhan – the city where it all began – which was dubbed the “coronavirus cradle”, has partially reopened after more than two months of lockdown measures.
Despite some quizzing and others’ blaming China for its alleged role in the outbreak, scientists have warned for years that a plague was approaching humanity.
While they could not predict when or where, the way viruses adapt, alter and change to evade hosts’ immune systems meant this type of spread was inevitable.
Among those who support this belief is Dr Syra Madad, a special pathogens expert, who warned that the world needs to think about future pandemics as well as COVID-19.
Dr Madad told People Magazine, that while we preoccupy ourselves with coronavirus, another virus is waiting in the wings – ready to strike us next.
Despite this, she rationalised that the current outbreak is driving more funding and equipment to medical bodies, which could come in handy for future pandemics.
While the science behind coronavirus is extremely logical, some online users have looked into history for alternative theories.
These include the introduction of quarantine measures and the origin of the practice, which they believe could hold some disturbing clues to today’s pandemic.
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Referring to our current year ‘2020’, some online have suggested that we should have known quarantine measures were coming during this 365 day period.
They pointed towards ‘quaranta giorni’, which mandated 40 days of lockdown for the Venetian sailors.
The conspiracy theory read: “So 2020, or 20 + 20 = quarantine.”
While the belief might seem basic, a large number of people have backed it on Instagram – with the post sharing it receiving more than 60,000 likes.
One user wrote: ‘Damnit, we should’ve seen this coming.”
Another quipped: “Well you know what they say about hindsight.”
