Recent and relevant interview from All Things Considered (NPR): https://www.npr.org/2020/01/22/798644707/why-wet-markets-persisted-in-china-despite-disease-and

Recent and relevant interview from All Things Considered (NPR): https://www.npr.org/2020/01/22/798644707/why-wet-markets-persisted-in-china-despite-disease-and-hygiene-concerns https://www.npr.org/2020/01/22/798644707/why-wet-markets-per... One interesting point was they had tried to discourage these markets in the past and replace them with supermarkets, but people didn't want to switch. These markets offered food cheaper, people like them, they might offer opportunities to socialize, and they offer wild animals which are traditionally viewed as healthy and a sign of wealth. Of course, the Chinese government can do a more authoritarian crackdown on it than what they tried in the past. Also, maybe this outbreak could change public opinion.