The virus was manufactured in a secret laboratory in mainland Europe,
probably in Germany or France.
To what end?
The age group most at risk from this virus are those aged 70+. The EU do not want the UK to leave the bloc (i.e. Brexit). The age group that voted overwhelmingly for Brexit are those aged 65+. Thus, the intention of the EU is that the effect of the pandemic will be to force the postponement of the UK exiting the EU for at least another year. After this enforced delay a second referendum can be held, safe in the knowledge that there will, by then, be a significant majority in favour of remaining part of the EU.