Its not a hoax in the same sense that "anthropogenic global warming" is a hoax. (Look up Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN FCCC.)

It began with the normal evolutionary process in which a virus jumps to humans, as has happened endless times in human history.

Then a media deeply distrusted by the public, and almost on the verge of bankruptcy, desperately needed a sensational story with which to redeem themselves, playing it for all its worth, as if their lives depend on it - because their livelihood actually does depend on it. So they have, in effect, "conspired" to scare the cr*p out of the public.

That in confluence with politicians who have no choice but to respond when the public is terrified, is the extent of your conspiracy.

When enough information appears, two things will happen:

1. Those who benefit from the "crisis" will claim it is still dangerous.

2. Those who are honest will climb down and do their best to see that the economy is restored.