Exodus probabilities from a structural-zero category: Illustration of public knowledge, perception, and communication on COVID-19

Abstract Background: Medical and healthcare professionals and governing agencies have faced big challenges to control, intervene and prevent the spread of COVID-19. In analysis of survey data on COVID-19, some practiced probability laws are nullified. Among those probability laws, the structural-zero (different from sampling zero) category with respect to the people’s knowledge, perception, and communication about the COVID-19 pandemics occurs in surveys is an example. Results: Exodus probabilities are derived and utilized. Using a recent survey data on COVID-19, the proposed method to configure such probabilities (proportions) is illustrated. Conclusion: The research question is about a way to configure the proportions who might have transited from the structurally zero category to other viable categories. This research question is answered in a novel manner.