Hi tejek -
The Chinese response to SARS varied greatly by region, with HK being more open, some rural areas lying their ass off, firing of senior public health people, and finally admission close to the truth after pressure and revalation from the Central Government.
I expect the PRC government learned from this experience.
I strongly expect that China is lying about the extent of the bird flu spread, while pretending to be more open.
Alternatively, I will assume they (China) are providing some information to WHO, CDC, and others, on conditions that it not be made public.
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I expect governments are getting raw information we do not have, such as the truth about China, and information from simmulation runs.
I think the threat is more proximate than has been publically acknowledged.
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Several governments in Europe and North America have a need to appear proactive and competent - US, Canada, UK, France and German fit in here, having popularity/support issues (US, UK,Germany), scandals (Canada) or recent elections seen as a rebuke to the political leaders.(France)
Travel restrictions from bird flu provide an easy justification for what ever immigration policy one wants. They provide political cover for various actions.
A public health emergency provides a way bypass legislatures, so it is power grab. |
