![](https://science.feedback.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-York-Post_Steven-W-Mosher_coronavirus-from-a-lab-chinese.png)
Viral New York Post article perpetuates the unfounded claim that the virus that causes COVID-19 is manmade
Overall, Mosher’s argument is based on unfounded speculation and scientific inaccuracies. Such claims, which continue to be perpetuated even by public officials, have real-world repercussions. Peter Daszak, epidemiologist and president of the EcoHealth Alliance who has collaborated with WIV researchers, warned during an interview with the journal Science: “These rumors and conspiracy theories have real consequences, including threats of violence that have occurred to our colleagues in China.”