Very few people think its a joke.  They exist, and they're on Voat, but they are relatively fringe. What people think is a joke are the lockdowns (which you stated) but also the bullshit preventative measures.  And the lack of concern when Leftists don't follow those measures (such as the BLM marches or Pelosi getting her hair done) We also don't trust the overall numbers.  They aren't immaterial, but they definitely have been inflated.