Here's what I don't understand.
What are the mechanisms in place to avoid this situation?
Is there some sort of international law, perhaps through the U.N., that require reporting of a wide virus or some such to the rest of the world?
I keep hearing that China didn't report and I'm not sure, besides good human courtesy, there's any rule that says they have to.
China is supposed to report findings to WHO and the Chinese CDC. There are many laws that obligate them to do this... as they are members of many international organizations.
Beyond legal obligations, most western nations share data, have conferences, and interact as professionals in a free speech environment where these sorts of things often get fleshed out.
In short, China is the dirt bag in this case. Look, I am no De Blasio fan (he definitely said some stupid stuff), but this is ultimately China’s mess.