zlacker

The only issue here is that lab safety protocols may have to be tightened up in the lab responsible. Scientists mutate things in the lab all the time in order to have a tool for effective study. If this came from a lab, then it would be the same thing (not some sort of weapon, like the hysterical Right wants people to believe).

Most believe that it didn't, but rather that it was in the human population a few months before we knew. But maybe not.

>>dhimes+(OP)
i'm curious what you would add to biosafety level 4 to tighten it up?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosafety_level#Biosafety_leve...

>>modzu+11
It's not that you need to tighten up the rules... it's that you need to actually follow them. The Wuhan lab had a reputation for not following the rules for the CCP-Claimed Biosafety Level 4.

>>modzu+11
If there is a leak at a BSL 4 lab that implies that the lab is not strictly adhering to protocols not that the protocols are loose.

>>modzu+11
Looks good on paper but what is actually happening in reality? How do I know they follow those procedures? How do I know they're not paying someone to give a checkmark for inspection?

What would be the punishment if they were caught not following procedures? Would they publicly punished or would the embarrassment for the Chinese government be quietly swept under the rug?

>>modzu+11
Eliminate or reduce the hazard is the most effective measure.

A commonly used hierarchy is "ERICPD", from most to least effective: Eliminate, Reduce, Isolate, Control, PPE and Discipline

>>modzu+11
The BSL prescribes the precautions that must be taken to maintain safety, but it's up to human oversight to actually enforce those practices. It's not uncommon for viruses to escape even BSL4 both in the US and abroad.

Both labs in Wuhan have had accidental contamination incidents while collecting field samples in caves. Working with hazardous materials is always dangerous, and history has no shortage of lessons to teach us.

>>tastyf+92
We warned about this lab.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/read-the-state-depart...

Note part 6.

>>modzu+11
I didn't hear that it was a level 4 lab. Those are for the viruses deemed most severe. Plenty of work goes on at other labs- at least in the US. Not sure about China.

Maybe you can enlighten me.

>>modzu+11
Only allowing robots and disallowing all human presence in the lab.