Overcoming the Challenge of Communicating the Concept and Science of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 to Non-Experts

Abstract Recent studies show that inadequate knowledge and understanding about the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 by many people has contributed significantly to fueling the conspiracy theories and misinformation about the pandemic. This challenge further impacts people’s behavior against public health guidelines in observing social distancing, wearing a facial mask, or self-isolation if exposed to imminent threats. This article attempts to use visual presentation and theoretical narratives to explain the science and conceptual structure of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. The paper also shows a visualization of the connections between the ongoing pandemic and previous coronavirus outbreaks and epidemics.