North Korea moves to soften restrictions amid outside doubts over COVID-19 counts
2 years, 9 months ago

North Korea moves to soften restrictions amid outside doubts over COVID-19 counts

ABC  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and other top officials discussed revising stringent anti-epidemic restrictions during a meeting on Sunday, state media reported, as they maintained a widely disputed claim that the country's first COVID-19 outbreak is slowing. Key points: North Korea reported 89,500 patients had fever symptoms on Sunday, taking the national total to 3.4 million The country's reported fatality rate of 0.0002 per cent is disputed by outside experts North Korea's population of 26 million is largely unvaccinated The discussion at the North's Politburo meeting suggests it will soon relax a set of draconian curbs imposed after its admission of the Omicron outbreak this month out of concern about its food and economic situations. On Sunday, North Korea reported 89,500 more patients with fever symptoms, taking the country's total to 3.4 million. But many outside health experts view most of the reported fever cases as COVID-19, saying North Korean authorities would know how to distinguish the symptoms from fevers caused by other prevalent infectious diseases.

North Korea North Covid Reported Korea North Korean Kim Outside Doubts  kim  counts  outside  doubts  outbreak  symptoms  say  north  reported  patients  amid  korea  soften  covid19  moves  restrictions  korean

History of this topic

North Korea’s COVID curbs still strangling economy, report says
1 year ago

North Korea’s COVID curbs still strangling economy, report says

Al Jazeera  

Cross-border movement of people and trade have practically evaporated since the pandemic, Human Rights Watch says. Tightened border controls introduced to curb COVID-19 are still strangling North Korea’s economic activity and informal trade networks more than 18 months after leader Kim Jong Un declared victory over the pandemic, Human Rights Watch has said. “The government’s persistent drive to control its …

South Korea to lift quarantine mandate and COVID test recommendation for travelers
1 year, 10 months ago

South Korea to lift quarantine mandate and COVID test recommendation for travelers

LA Times  

South Korea will drop its COVID-19 quarantine requirements and end coronavirus testing recommendations for international arrivals starting next month after the World Health Organization declared the end of the global health emergency. The decision was announced during a meeting attended by President Yoon Suk-yeol, at which he thanked the country’s medical workers and said it was “delightful that people are …

Russian embassy says North Korea lifted lockdown in capital
2 years, 1 month ago

Russian embassy says North Korea lifted lockdown in capital

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — Russia’s embassy in North Korea says the country has eased stringent epidemic controls in capital Pyongyang that were placed during the past five days to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses. The embassy posted a notice Monday issued by North Korea’s Foreign Ministry informing foreign diplomats that the “intensified anti-epidemic period” imposed in Pyongyang since Wednesday …

North Korea lifts stringent epidemic lockdown in capital Pyongyang, says Russian embassy
2 years, 1 month ago

North Korea lifts stringent epidemic lockdown in capital Pyongyang, says Russian embassy

Firstpost  

Seoul, South Korea: Russia’s embassy in North Korea says the country has eased stringent epidemic controls in the capital Pyongyang that were placed during the past five days to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses. North Korea has not officially acknowledged a lockdown in Pyongyang or a re-emergence of COVID-19 after leader Kim Jong Un declared a widely disputed victory …

North Korea locks down capital city over ’respiratory illness’
2 years, 1 month ago

North Korea locks down capital city over ’respiratory illness’

Live Mint  

Authorities in the North Korean capital Pyongyang have ordered a five-day lockdown due to rising cases of an unspecified respiratory illness, Seoul-based NK News reported on Wednesday, citing a government notice. The notice did not mentioned COVID-19, but said that residents in the city are required to stay in their homes through the end of Sunday and must submit to …

North Korean capital Pyongyang reportedly under lockdown due to 'respiratory illness'
2 years, 1 month ago

North Korean capital Pyongyang reportedly under lockdown due to 'respiratory illness'

ABC  

Authorities in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang have ordered a five-day lockdown due to rising cases of an unspecified respiratory illness, Seoul-based NK News has reported, citing a government notice. Key points: Residents in Pyongyang will be required to stay in their homes until Sunday night North Korea acknowledged its first COVID-19 outbreak last year, and declared victory over …

‘Excessive’: North Korea’s COVID curbs blamed for food crisis
2 years, 4 months ago

‘Excessive’: North Korea’s COVID curbs blamed for food crisis

Al Jazeera  

Pyongyang has substantially ramped up border security since January 2020, according to satellite images. North Korean authorities have imposed “excessive and unnecessary” border measures since January 2020, including upgraded fences, guard posts and patrol roads, an analysis of satellite images by Human Rights Watch shows. HRW said it had spoken to five North Korean defectors involved in smuggling goods in …

North Korea says new fever cases were flu, not COVID-19
2 years, 6 months ago

North Korea says new fever cases were flu, not COVID-19

India TV News  

North Korea on Friday said the latest fever cases detected in its border region with China were tested to be influenza, not coronavirus infections as initially feared. While Kim claimed that the country's success against the virus would be recognized as a global health miracle, experts believe North Korea has manipulated disclosures on its outbreak to help him maintain absolute …

After declaring victory over the coronavirus, North Korea finds new suspected cases
2 years, 6 months ago

After declaring victory over the coronavirus, North Korea finds new suspected cases

LA Times  

Residents of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, pay tribute to statues of two of the country’s late leaders Thursday. North Korea on Thursday said it found four new cases of fever in its border region with China that may have been caused by the coronavirus, two weeks after leader Kim Jong Un declared a widely questioned victory over COVID-19. North …

N Korea logs new fever cases weeks after COVID victory claim
2 years, 6 months ago

N Korea logs new fever cases weeks after COVID victory claim

Al Jazeera  

Authorities report four new fever cases in border region two weeks after Kim Jong Un declared victory over COVID-19. North Korea says it has found four new fever cases in its border region with China that may have been caused by coronavirus, two weeks after Kim Jong Un declared victory over COVID-19. North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said …

North Korea claims disputed victory over virus, blames Seoul
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea claims disputed victory over virus, blames Seoul

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — In a striking speech before thousands of North Koreans, leader Kim Jong Un’s sister said he suffered a fever while guiding the country to victory over the coronavirus. South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, expressed strong regret over North Korea’s “extremely disrespectful and threatening comments” based on “ridiculous claims.” A senior South Korean presidential …

North Korea declares victory over Covid, suggests leader Kim had it
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea declares victory over Covid, suggests leader Kim had it

India Today  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared victory over COVID-19 and his sister indicated that he too caught the virus, while vowing "deadly retaliation" against South Korea, which the North blames for causing the outbreak. Kim ordered the lifting of maximum anti-epidemic measures imposed in May though adding that North Korea must maintain a "steel-strong anti-epidemic barrier and intensifying …

Kim Jong Un claims ‘victory’ over COVID, blames South Korea
2 years, 7 months ago

Kim Jong Un claims ‘victory’ over COVID, blames South Korea

Al Jazeera  

North Korean leader lifts pandemic restrictions as senior official says death toll of 74 an ‘unprecedented miracle’ in world health. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared “victory” in his country’s battle against COVID-19 and ordered pandemic restrictions, imposed in May, to be lifted. Easley added that Kim Yo Jong’s bellicose rhetoric was a concern “because not only will …

North Korea: No COVID-19 cases reported for first time since outbreak
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea: No COVID-19 cases reported for first time since outbreak

Firstpost  

According to experts, North Korea has one of the world’s worst healthcare systems, with poorly-equipped hospitals, few intensive care units, and no mass testing ability Seoul: North Korea reported zero fever cases on Saturday for the first time in more than two months since it confirmed its first Covid-19 infections in May. “There were no new fever patients reported” over …

North Korea reports no new ‘fever’ cases for first time since May
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea reports no new ‘fever’ cases for first time since May

Al Jazeera  

The official case count has dropped sharply in recent days and Pyongyang has held mass events where many people were unmasked. North Korea has reported no new “fever” cases for the first time since mid-May when it abruptly announced its first domestic outbreak of COVID-19, and imposed tough measures to curb the spread of the virus. The North’s state emergency …

Kim threatens to use nukes amid tensions with US, S. Korea
2 years, 7 months ago

Kim threatens to use nukes amid tensions with US, S. Korea

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he’s ready to use his nuclear weapons in potential military conflicts with the United States and South Korea, state media said Thursday, as he unleashed fiery rhetoric against rivals he says are pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war. “Such a dangerous attempt will be immediately punished …

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un threatens to use nukes amid tension with U.S., South Korea
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un threatens to use nukes amid tension with U.S., South Korea

The Hindu  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he’s ready to use his nuclear weapons in potential military conflicts with the United States and South Korea, state media said Thursday, as he unleashed fiery rhetoric against rivals he says are pushing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war. Mr. Kim said regular U. S.-South Korea military drills that he claimed …

'Ready to use nuclear weapons': Kim Jong Un's chilling warning amid tensions with US, South Korea
2 years, 7 months ago

'Ready to use nuclear weapons': Kim Jong Un's chilling warning amid tensions with US, South Korea

India TV News  

Highlights North Korea's Kim Jong Un warned he’s ready to use nuclear weapons in conflicts with US, S. Korea He accused the United States of “demonizing” North Korea to justify its hostile policies Kim also alleged South Korean government is led by “confrontation maniacs” and “gangsters” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he’s ready to use his nuclear weapons …

North Korea pushes traditional medicine to fight COVID-19
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea pushes traditional medicine to fight COVID-19

Associated Press  

PAJU, South Korea — As a medical student in North Korea, Lee Gwang-jin said he treated his fevers and other minor ailments with traditional herbal medicine. “North Korea is using Koryo medicine a lot … but it’s not a sure remedy,” said Lee, who studied Koryo medicine before he fled North Korea in 2018 for a new life in South …

North Korea pushes traditional medicine to fight COVID-19
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea pushes traditional medicine to fight COVID-19

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “North Korea is using Koryo medicine a lot …

North Korea says nearing end of COVID crisis
2 years, 8 months ago

North Korea says nearing end of COVID crisis

Al Jazeera  

The isolated country’s claim comes as Asian neighbours are battling a new wave of infections driven by Omicron subvariants. North Korea is on the path to “finally defuse” a crisis stemming from its first acknowledged outbreak of COVID-19, the state news agency said on Monday, while Asian neighbours battle a new wave of infections driven by Omicron subvariants. “Under the …

North Korea blames 'alien things' near South Korea border for Covid outbreak
2 years, 8 months ago

North Korea blames 'alien things' near South Korea border for Covid outbreak

India Today  

North Korea claimed on Friday the country's first Covid outbreak began with patients touching "alien things" near the border with South Korea, apparently shifting blame to the neighbour for the wave of infections that hit the isolated country. North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea had for decades flown balloons carrying leaflets and humanitarian aid across the heavily fortified …

North Korea may declare victory over Covid just a month after detecting outbreak
2 years, 9 months ago

North Korea may declare victory over Covid just a month after detecting outbreak

India Today  

It’s only been a month since North Korea acknowledged having an COVID-19 outbreak, after steadfastly denying any cases for more than two years. The South Korean government as well as some experts believe that North Korea may soon declare that it has beaten the virus, linked, of course, to leader Kim Jong Un’s strong and clever guidance. DAILY FEVER CASES …

North Korea reports another infectious disease outbreak amid COVID-19 wave
2 years, 9 months ago

North Korea reports another infectious disease outbreak amid COVID-19 wave

Firstpost  

Some observers say the ‘an enteric epidemic’ refers to an infectious disease like typhoid, dysentery or cholera, which routinely occur in North Korea Seoul, South Korea: North Korea on Thursday reported the eruption of another infectious disease in addition to its ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, saying leader Kim Jong Un has donated his private medicines to those stricken with the new …

N. Korea reports another disease outbreak amid COVID-19 wave
2 years, 9 months ago

N. Korea reports another disease outbreak amid COVID-19 wave

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It’s unclear how serious the new epidemic is, but …

North Korea reports another disease outbreak amid COVID wave
2 years, 9 months ago

North Korea reports another disease outbreak amid COVID wave

India TV News  

Highlights North Korea on June 16 reported the eruption of another infectious disease It is in addition to its ongoing COVID pandemic outbreak Kim Jong Un has donated his private medicines to those stricken with the new disease North Korea on Thursday reported the eruption of another infectious disease in addition to its ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, saying leader Kim Jong …

N Korea says fighting unnamed gastrointestinal disease outbreak
2 years, 9 months ago

N Korea says fighting unnamed gastrointestinal disease outbreak

Al Jazeera  

Outbreak in an agricultural area comes as impoverished country battles COVID-19 and food shortages. North Korea has reported an outbreak of an unidentified gastrointestinal disease in the country’s southwest as it continues to battle a wave of COVID-19 that has further strained its already creaky health system. South Korean experts say waterborne diseases, such as typhoid, were already widespread in …

WHO believes COVID getting worse, not better in North Korea
2 years, 9 months ago

WHO believes COVID getting worse, not better in North Korea

Associated Press  

LONDON — A top official at the World Health Organization said the U.N. health agency assumes the coronavirus outbreak in North Korea is “getting worse, not better,” despite the secretive country’s recent claims that COVID-19 is slowing there. At a briefing on Wednesday, WHO’s emergencies chief Dr. Mike Ryan appealed to North Korean authorities for more information about the COVID-19 …

Covid "getting worse, not better" in North Korea: WHO
2 years, 9 months ago

Covid "getting worse, not better" in North Korea: WHO

India Today  

A top official at the World Health Organization said the UN health agency assumes the coronavirus outbreak in North Korea is “getting worse, not better,” despite the secretive country’s recent claims that COVID-19 is slowing there. At a press briefing on Wednesday, WHO’s emergencies chief Dr. Mike Ryan appealed to North Korean authorities for more information about the Covid-19 outbreak …

COVID getting worse, not better in North Korea: World Health Organization
2 years, 9 months ago

COVID getting worse, not better in North Korea: World Health Organization

India TV News  

Highlights WHO said UN health agency assumes the coronavirus outbreak in North Korea is “getting worse" WHO’s emergencies chief appealed to North Korean authorities for more information about COVID cases WHO has previously also voiced concerns about impact of COVID in North Korea’s population Coronavirus outbreak in North Korea : A top official at the World Health Organization said the …

COVID amid food insecurity: A perfect storm is brewing in N Korea
2 years, 9 months ago

COVID amid food insecurity: A perfect storm is brewing in N Korea

Al Jazeera  

Widespread malnutrition and the absence of a stable health system are exacerbating the impact of COVID-19 in the country. On May 12, North Korea reported the country’s first COVID outbreak, a significant public admission after two and a half years of stringent lockdowns and border closures. Omicron, the variant behind North Korea’s outbreak, is estimated to be asymptomatic in close …

N Korea logs rise in fever cases amid move to soften COVID curbs
2 years, 9 months ago

N Korea logs rise in fever cases amid move to soften COVID curbs

Al Jazeera  

Daily fever tally rises above 100,000 for first time in three days amid reports that movement restrictions in Pyongyang may have been eased. North Korea reported a slight jump in suspected COVID-19 cases on Monday amid media reports that movement restrictions imposed in the capital, Pyongyang, may have been lifted. The tally is the first time that North Korea’s suspected …

N. Korea moves to soften curbs amid doubts over COVID counts
2 years, 9 months ago

N. Korea moves to soften curbs amid doubts over COVID counts

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and other top officials discussed revising stringent anti-epidemic restrictions during a meeting Sunday, state media reported, as they maintained a widely disputed claim that the country’s first COVID-19 outbreak is slowing. But many outside health experts view most of the reported fever cases as COVID-19, saying North Korean authorities would …

North Korea's tiny COVID-19 death rate met with widespread doubt
2 years, 9 months ago

North Korea's tiny COVID-19 death rate met with widespread doubt

Firstpost  

Some observers say North Korea is underreporting fatalities to protect leader Kim Jong Un at all costs. “Scientifically, their figures can’t be accepted,” said Lee Yo Han, a professor at Ajou University Graduate School of Public Health in South Korea, adding that the public data “were likely all controlled and embedded with their political intentions.” The most likely course is …

Widespread disbelief over N. Korea’s tiny COVID death rate
2 years, 9 months ago

Widespread disbelief over N. Korea’s tiny COVID death rate

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — According to North Korea, its fight against COVID-19 has been impressive: About 3.3 million people have been reported sick with fevers, but only 69 have died. “Scientifically, their figures can’t be accepted,” said Lee Yo Han, a professor at Ajou University Graduate School of Public Health in South Korea, adding that the public data “were likely …

North Korea announces a tiny COVID-19 death rate, and experts scoff
2 years, 9 months ago

North Korea announces a tiny COVID-19 death rate, and experts scoff

LA Times  

A teacher takes the temperature of a schoolgirl in Pyongyang, North Korea, in an effort to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. “Scientifically, their figures can’t be accepted,” said Lee Yo-han, a professor at Ajou University Graduate School of Public Health in South Korea, adding that the public data “were likely all controlled and embedded with their political intentions.” …

North Korea fights COVID with home remedies as country lacks vaccines and anti-viral treatments
2 years, 9 months ago

North Korea fights COVID with home remedies as country lacks vaccines and anti-viral treatments

ABC  

On a recent night-time visit to a pharmacy, a double-masked Kim Jong Un lamented the slow delivery of medicine. Separately, the North Korean leader's lieutenants have quarantined hundreds of thousands of suspected COVID-19 patients and urged people with mild symptoms to take willow leaf or honeysuckle tea. Photo shows People watch a TV screen showing North Korean leader Kim Jong …

North Korea reports over 200,000 ‘fever’ cases for fifth day in a row amid Covid-19 outbreak
2 years, 10 months ago

North Korea reports over 200,000 ‘fever’ cases for fifth day in a row amid Covid-19 outbreak

The Independent  

North Korea has reported more than 200,000 new cases of fever for the fifth consecutive day as the country battles its first confirmed Covid-19 outbreak. At least 219,030 people showed fever symptoms as of Friday evening, taking the total number of such cases to 2,460,640, state media reported, citing data from the emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. The country formally confirmed …

North Korea reports more fevers as Kim claims virus progress
2 years, 10 months ago

North Korea reports more fevers as Kim claims virus progress

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said Saturday it found nearly 220,000 more people with feverish symptoms, even as leader Kim Jong Un claimed progress in slowing a largely undiagnosed spread of COVID-19 across his unvaccinated populace and hinted at easing virus restrictions to nurse a decaying economy. The North’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper said farm workers in South Hwanghae province …

North Korea reports surge in fever as Kim Jong Un claims virus progress
2 years, 10 months ago

North Korea reports surge in fever as Kim Jong Un claims virus progress

The Hindu  

North Korea said on May 21 it found nearly 2,20,000 more people with feverish symptoms even as leader Kim Jong Un claimed progress in slowing a largely undiagnosed spread of COVID-19 across an unvaccinated population of 26 million. State media showed him weeping during Saturday’s state funeral for top North Korean military official Hyon Chol Hae, who is believed to …

N. Korea’s low death count questioned amid COVID-19 outbreak
2 years, 10 months ago

N. Korea’s low death count questioned amid COVID-19 outbreak

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said Friday that nearly 10% of its 26 million people have fallen ill and 65 people have died amid its first COVID-19 outbreak, as outside experts question the validity of its reported fatalities and worry about a possible humanitarian crisis. Some observers say North Korea was likely forced to acknowledge the COVID-19 outbreak because …

Week after confirming Covid outbreak, North Korea's suspected cases near 2 million
2 years, 10 months ago

Week after confirming Covid outbreak, North Korea's suspected cases near 2 million

India Today  

North Korea on Thursday reported 2,62,270 more suspected Covid-19 cases as its pandemic caseload neared 2 million — a week after the country acknowledged the outbreak and scrambled to slow infections in its unvaccinated population. North Korea’s anti-virus headquarters reported a single additional death, raising its toll to 63, which experts have said is abnormally small compared to the suspected …

N. Korea's low death count questioned amid COVID-19 outbreak
2 years, 10 months ago

N. Korea's low death count questioned amid COVID-19 outbreak

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. After admitting the omicron outbreak …

News Analysis: New approach, same problem with North Korea: How to deal with Kim Jong Un
2 years, 10 months ago

News Analysis: New approach, same problem with North Korea: How to deal with Kim Jong Un

LA Times  

Then-President Trump shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the demilitarized zone in 2019. Former President Trump’s relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un featured the former reality-star president at his most theatrical: threats of “fire and fury,” followed by splashy meetings, a trip to the demilitarized border with South Korea and exchanges of “love letters” …

North Korea shuns outside help as COVID catastrophe looms
2 years, 10 months ago

North Korea shuns outside help as COVID catastrophe looms

Al Jazeera  

Pyongyang has not responded to offers of help and inquiries from the US, South Korea, the WHO and UNICEF. North Korea, whose dynastic leadership proclaims an official ideology of self-reliance known as “juche”, has long been known for its secrecy and hostility towards the outside world. “I would guess that is a combination of both.” North Korea, where state propaganda …

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is facing a COVID-19 crisis and a tough new adversary in the south
2 years, 10 months ago

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is facing a COVID-19 crisis and a tough new adversary in the south

ABC  

In late April, after weeks of rigorous rehearsals, North Korea's armed forces put on one of their trademark military parades to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Korean People's Revolution Army. "For North Korean leaders, it's very hard — especially in April, around those celebrations — to concede that anything might be going wrong in the country," Ms Fraser said. …

Tea and infomercials: N. Korea fights COVID with few tools
2 years, 10 months ago

Tea and infomercials: N. Korea fights COVID with few tools

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — On a recent nighttime visit to a drugstore, a double-masked Kim Jong Un lamented the slow delivery of medicine. Despite what the North’s propaganda is describing as an all-out effort, the fear is palpable among citizens, according to defectors in South Korea with contacts in the North, and some outside observers worry the outbreak may get …

North Korea’s suspected COVID-19 caseload nears 2 million
2 years, 10 months ago

North Korea’s suspected COVID-19 caseload nears 2 million

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea on Thursday reported 262,270 more suspected COVID-19 cases as its pandemic caseload neared 2 million — a week after the country acknowledged the outbreak and scrambled to slow infections in its unvaccinated population. North Korea’s anti-virus headquarters reported a single additional death, raising its toll to 63, which experts have said is abnormally small …

Tea and infomercials: N. Korea fights COVID with few tools
2 years, 10 months ago

Tea and infomercials: N. Korea fights COVID with few tools

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “North Koreans know so many people around the world …

Discover Related