This is a long post because I wanted to be thorough.  Big claims need big evidence.  You might want to pack your lunch.

“Stopping the spread of this virus both in China and globally is WHO’s highest priority,” said Dr Tedros. “We appreciate the seriousness with which China is taking this outbreak, especially the commitment from top leadership, and the transparency they have demonstrated, including sharing data and genetic sequence of the virus. WHO is working closely with the government on measures to understand the virus and limit transmission. WHO will keep working side-by-side with China and all other countries to protect health and keep people safe.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.  Source

When the WHO first made this announcement, with its bold and slightly baffling praise for China’s, erm, transparency, I was willing to give it a pass.

China had finally owned up to the crisis (once they couldn’t hide it any more), had notified the WHO, had released the DNA sequence of the virus, and was sharing infection data.  Sort of.  The WHO could be excused for worrying that China might clam up again, as it had done during the SARS crisis, so it was probably trying to offer some positive reinforcement for China’s baby steps towards being a responsible global citizen.  And anyway, as a UN agency, they have to be diplomatic.

But then things got weird.  Two days later, the same Director-General was saying this: Read More