[TheBigB]

You'd think, but they're only human. Mind you, this is all speculation on my part; but I doubt that all the workers wore masks and gloves in every hospital room if they initially thought the first cases were of ordinary (but more severe) flu.

[ET(end tyranny)]

Yes, but:

The high number of infected people (mostly health care workers)

They all were not infected at once nor in the same area. I would think after the first few deaths of patients, gloves and masks would be a priority.

COURSE, we have to take in account that China kept it hush hush far too long, and THAT makes a difference.