10 ways the Chinese government lied, misled, and messed up early in the pandemic

5. Not Reporting the Outbreak to the WHO as Required. As a signatory to major public health treaties, the Chinese government was required to notify the world community of any unusual, novel pathogen within its borders that could spread internationally, typically within 72 hours of detection. The novel coronavirus clearly met this description, yet Chinese officials withheld information about the virus for weeks.

6. Refusing to Share the Coronavirus’ Genetic Sequence. When the genetic sequence of the coronavirus was first shared widely in early January, it was a heroic, rogue Chinese researcher, not the government, who did so. Dr. Zhang Yongzhen was directed not to release the information, but frustrated with what he perceived as irresponsibility by government officials, he defied their order. Within hours, Zhang’s lab was shut down by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission for “rectification”.

7. Not Sharing Virus Samples. Very early on, global researchers were clamoring for Chinese officials to share samples of the novel coronavirus so they could evaluate it and begin developing diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutics. Government officials never did. “Access to those samples at the outset could have helped the world prepare,” Gottlieb wrote. “And without the source strains, it would be impossible to determine with any certainty the virus’s origin.”