A group of 27 international scientists have signed an "open letter" in the Lancet to support Chinese scientists, public health and medical professionals fighting the outbreak of COVID-19. The group strongly condemned conspiracy theories and warned that misinformation could "jeopardise our global collaboration in the fight against this virus."

Since the outbreak, conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin have spread, despite pushback from experts and officials. 

"Scientists from multiple countries have published and analysed genomes of the causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and they overwhelmingly conclude that this coronavirus originated in wildlife," write the scientists.

The scientists also cited further support from a recent letter by the presidents of the US National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine: Marcia McNutt, (National Academy of Sciences), John L. Anderson, (President National Academy of Sciences) and Victor J. Dzau (National Academy of Engineering National Academy of Medicine).

"Conspiracy theories do nothing but create fear, rumours, and prejudice that jeopardise our global collaboration in the fight against this virus," write the doctors. 

They warned that such misinformation could undermine the rapid, open, and transparent sharing of data regarding the outbreak. 

The scientists hope that the letter can help "promote scientific evidence and unity over misinformation and conjecture," and act as a message of encouragement and solidarity to their colleagues in China. "We want you, the science and health professionals of China, to know that we stand with you in your fight against this virus."

The doctors conclude with an invitation for others to, "join us in supporting the scientists, public health professionals, and medical professionals of Wuhan and across China. Stand with our colleagues on the frontline!" 

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