Horrific.
Note that they built human-virus labs in the middle of metropolises such as Wuhan and agricultural-virus labs in the middle of monoculture fields. That's everything you need to know about whether you should listen to them regarding risks.
(link via @maartenmeijer)
The previous agricultural-virus lab was built on an island, so that the ocean could provide a cordon of safety in case of a leak.
They decided to move it in the agricultural heartland.
Decisions made around researchers, not around keeping our lives and livelihoods safe.
"The risk assessment didn’t even attempt to quantify the likelihood of malicious or deliberate acts."
"In 2001, anthrax stolen from a federal bioweapons lab killed five people and sickened 17 more."
"Trewyn [the researcher who led the efforts to build the lab] believes that the risk of accidental pathogen escape, in all its uncertainty, is worth taking."
They didn’t have the time to consider malicious behavior in their risk assessment, but they did spend a lot of time thinking about social engagement.
Stuff that happens when you’re judged by peers with no skin in the game, I guess.
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