There was a psychological study just done on this exact subject.

They tried to analyze why some people downplayed the virus, and others went along with the recommended stay at home policy.

It came down to government power. Those afraid of the government gaining power, thinking it was just a power grab, downplayed and dismissed the risk.

This by far was the smaller segment, maybe 20%, 65+% agreed that staying home long enough to avoid an uncontrolled outbreak was a better idea.

Facts had no affect on changing the conspiracy theorists minds, because in their group mindset it was all a government power grab.

Both sides agreed the virus was bad, but to very different degrees.

This affected many other decisions, anything that was perceived as potentially giving more power to the government was either called a hoax, or an exaggerated risk.

Again, facts didn't change the mindset.