“…These challenges have resorted data intensive modeling [6] and computational intelligence methods [7] that embrace the complexity of the issues that arise from the pandemic, from lack of human resources [8] and data resources [9,10], to the lack of emergency preparedness and capabilities to respond effectively [11]. An increasing amount of studies set out to explore models and artifacts that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) methods and methodologies to explore pandemic facts and circumstances from several differing yet often complementary angles, from the composites and overarching description of the virus itself [12], to diseases detection and diagnosis [13,14] to prediction on infection rates [15], patient management [16], the protection of healthcare workers [17,18], as well as hygiene measures, prevention and containment [19], drug development [20], and treatment [21][22][23]. The use of AI techniques is perceived to be a paradigm shift [24] towards approaches that use data science in empowering ways to craft, test and deploy public health care policies [25,26].…”