What happens if the panic level rises past 5?

Question

If an abduction mission pops up for say Europe, Asia, and US, I'm not worried about the US due to low panic, Russia and UK are both at 4, but China and Australia are both at 5!

Will taking the mission in Europe make them leave right then as the panic level can not rise anymore?

I have 5 satellites coming in before month 4 is over so I can straighten everything out and buy myself another month before I assault the base.

Answer 1

They cannot exceed five and wont. This is actually a 'tactic' in playing XCom. If you get any further missions this month, you should let the "5 panic" countries pass, since any extra panic will not be added.

Note: this does not apply if you "skip" a specific mission, such as a terror mission - they will automatically leave if you "skip" it.