An analysis of those early weeks — from official statements, leaked accounts from Chinese medical professionals, newly released scientific data and interviews with public health officials and infectious disease experts — reveals potential missteps by China’s overburdened public health officials. “China’s public health system has modernized, but China’s political system hasn’t,” said Jude Blanchette, head of China studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. A day later, lab executives held urgent meetings to brief Wuhan health officials and hospital management, the technician wrote. While scientists and public health experts scrambled to collect more information, China’s security services tried to smother it. ADTheir work garnered praise from scientists and public health experts around the world — but there was information missing.

Source: Washington Post February 01, 2020 16:24 UTC