China's eastern Zhejiang Province has passed a new regulation stating governments should promptly release all the information they are privy to during emergencies, including details of affected regions and how they are coping with the situation. This new policy has been well received by the public.

The Beijing News carries a commentary saying that providing immediate media access during emergencies will help governments efficiently deal with crises.

If governments choose to hide the truth, the article says suspects and rumors may run rampant which will impede efforts to solve the problem.

The paper continues to say that the government should also help maintain people's rights to know the truth, participate in rescue activities, and keep an eye on the government's performance.

It adds media supervision could be a good way to help governments deal with emergencies.

The article also says the move would help build public trust in the government.

The commentary notes in this world of information, people always have access to the truth via different channels. If the government keeps silent or evades public requests for information, the article says, people will lose confidence in it.