Fill in the blank with the correct phrasal verb from the given alternatives:

The fear that Covid 19 has _________ in the country is unfounded.

broken out

The correct option is: Option 2: broken out

Here's why:

• Broken over is typically used to describe something being overcome or destroyed with great emotion.
• Broken up usually refers to something being separated or disintegrated. This doesn't directly relate to the fear of Covid-19.
• Broken through suggests a barrier being crossed or a goal being achieved. This meaning doesn't align with the idea of fear being unfounded.
• Broken out perfectly describes the sudden emergence or spread of something unexpected, which best captures the feeling of fear associated with the pandemic.