The Daily A Virus’s Journey Across China
Jan 30, 2020
Javier C. Hernández, a New York Times correspondent in Beijing, takes listeners on a riveting journey through the emergence of the coronavirus in Wuhan. He delves into the origins of the virus at a live animal market and exposes the initial denials from officials regarding its human-to-human transmission. Personal stories reveal the struggle for medical attention amid misinformation, while the urgency of transparency in crisis management is emphasized. The podcast highlights the emotional toll on citizens during a rapid global response to the unfolding health crisis.
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Initial Reports of the Virus
- Initial reports described a mysterious virus in Wuhan, causing pneumonia-like symptoms.
- Officials claimed it spread only from animals to humans at a market, affecting around 130 people with four deaths, deeming it controllable.
Skepticism Towards Official Narrative
- The Chinese government's assurances of control were met with skepticism due to their history of downplaying outbreaks.
- The SARS outbreak 17 years prior, which infected over 8,000 and killed over 800, fueled this skepticism because of the government's delayed response.
Untested Case and Immediate Cremation
- A 65-year-old woman in Wuhan died from a pneumonia-like illness after experiencing flu-like symptoms.
- Despite the family's requests, doctors refused to test her for the coronavirus, raising concerns about potential underreporting.