North Korea reports no new ‘fever’ cases for first time since May
2 years, 4 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 anti-epidemic centre said it had found zero fever patients in the most recent 24-hour period, state media reported on Saturday. “But if new cases emerge again, North Korea would lose its face.” Given the country’s long, porous border with China, North Korea’s main ally, it will probably also find it difficult to announce victory over the pandemic until China does so, said Lee Yo Han, a professor at Ajou University Graduate School of Public Health in South Korea. “Since the state media has also been talking about variants, whether or when they will ease the virus rules and lift border lockdown remains to be seen,” said an official at South Korea’s unification ministry, which handles cross-border relations.

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History of this topic

Report: North Korea is producing viruses for germ warfare program
8 months, 1 week ago

Report: North Korea is producing viruses for germ warfare program

Daily Mail  

North Korea is producing viruses and bacteria for their germ warfare programme that already has an arsenal capable of causing chaos and terror in the region, according to a US report. In their latest assessment of Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction, the US said the mysterious state ruled by Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has developed sprays and 'poison pens' which …

South Korea to lift quarantine mandate and COVID test recommendation for travelers
1 year, 7 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 …

North Korea lifts stringent epidemic lockdown in capital Pyongyang, says Russian embassy
1 year, 10 months 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’
1 year, 11 months 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'
1 year, 11 months 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 …

South Korea seeks Chinese national missing from Covid quarantine
1 year, 11 months ago

South Korea seeks Chinese national missing from Covid quarantine

India Today  

South Korean authorities said on Wednesday they were trying to track down a Chinese national who tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival but went missing while waiting at a quarantine facility. The person tested positive after arriving at Incheon International Airport near Seoul late on Tuesday and was transferred to a hotel to await admission to quarantine, but then went …

‘Excessive’: North Korea’s COVID curbs blamed for food crisis
2 years, 1 month 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, 3 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 …

North Korea claims disputed victory over virus, blames Seoul
2 years, 4 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, 4 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, 4 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 claims dubious victory over coronavirus, blames the South for outbreak
2 years, 4 months ago

North Korea claims dubious victory over coronavirus, blames the South for outbreak

LA Times  

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 office official, who spoke …

Kim threatens to use nukes amid tensions with US, S. Korea
2 years, 4 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, 4 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 …

North Korea says nearing end of COVID crisis
2 years, 5 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 …

N. Korea suggests balloons flown from South brought COVID-19
2 years, 5 months ago

N. Korea suggests balloons flown from South brought COVID-19

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea suggested Friday its COVID-19 outbreak began in people who had contact with balloons flown from South Korea — a highly questionable claim that appeared to be an attempt to hold its rival responsible amid increasing tensions over its nuclear program. South Korea’s Unification Ministry said there was no chance South Korean balloons might have …

North Korea blames 'alien things' near South Korea border for Covid outbreak
2 years, 5 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, 6 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, 6 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 …

North Korea reports another disease outbreak amid COVID wave
2 years, 6 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 …

WHO believes COVID getting worse, not better in North Korea
2 years, 6 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, 6 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, 6 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, 6 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 moves to soften curbs amid doubts over COVID counts
2 years, 6 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, 6 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, 6 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 reports more fevers as Kim claims virus progress
2 years, 7 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, 7 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, 7 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, 7 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, 7 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, 7 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's leader Kim Jong Un is facing a COVID-19 crisis and a tough new adversary in the south
2 years, 7 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. …

COVID-19 deaths dropped by 21% last week but cases rising: World Health Organization
2 years, 7 months ago

COVID-19 deaths dropped by 21% last week but cases rising: World Health Organization

The Hindu  

The number of coronavirus deaths globally dropped by about 21% in the past week while cases rose in most parts of the world, according to the World Health Organization. In its weekly report on the pandemic released on May 19, the U. N. health agency said the number of new COVID-19 cases appears to have stabilised after weeks of decline …

Tea and infomercials: N. Korea fights COVID with few tools
2 years, 7 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 COVID-19 caseload nears 2 million in just a week; over 7 lakh in quarantine
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea's COVID-19 caseload nears 2 million in just a week; over 7 lakh in quarantine

India TV News  

Highlights The outbreak could be worse than officially reported because of scarce resources for virus testing North Korea's anti-virus headquarters reported a single death in the last 24 hours Experts said the single death is abnormally small compared to the suspected number of infections Just after a week of reporting the coronavirus outbreak, North Korea has already registered nearly 2 …

North Korea fights Covid with traditional medicines
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea fights Covid with traditional medicines

India TV News  

Highlights North Korean lieutenants have quarantined hundreds of thousands of suspected Covid patients Officilas urged people with mild symptoms to take willow leaf or honeysuckle tea Earlier, North Korea claimed its total Covid19 caseload stood at 168 despite rising fever cases On a recent nighttime visit to a drugstore, a double-masked Kim Jong Un lamented the slow delivery of medicine. …

Explained: Decoding the explosive COVID outbreak in North Korea
2 years, 7 months ago

Explained: Decoding the explosive COVID outbreak in North Korea

The Hindu  

The story so far: After reportedly remaining “COVID-free” since the start of the global pandemic, North Korea last week confirmed its first case. In an immediate response to what North Korea termed was the “state’s most serious emergency”, its leader Kim Jong Un imposed a nationwide lockdown. Saying that the outbreak has pushed North Korea into “great turmoil”, Mr. Kim …

North Korea boasts recovery as WHO worries over missing data
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea boasts recovery as WHO worries over missing data

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea on Wednesday added hundreds of thousands of infections to its growing pandemic caseload but also said that a million people have already recovered from suspected COVID-19 just a week after disclosing an outbreak, a public health crisis it appears to be trying to manage in isolation as global experts express deep concern about dire …

North Korea reports another jump in suspected Covid-19 cases
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea reports another jump in suspected Covid-19 cases

India Today  

North Korea on Wednesday reported 232,880 new cases of fever and another six deaths as leader Kim Jong Un accused officials of “immaturity” and “slackness” in handling the escalating Covid-19 outbreak ravaging across the unvaccinated nation. The North’s official Korean Central News Agency said Kim, during a ruling party Politburo meeting on Tuesday, criticized officials over their early pandemic response, …

COVID-19 Has Reached North Korea, Threatening a Humanitarian Emergency
2 years, 7 months ago

COVID-19 Has Reached North Korea, Threatening a Humanitarian Emergency

The Quint  

But now, the country, which has a population of roughly 26 million people, looks to be facing a very sizeable and rapidly-spreading outbreak of the omicron variant. As of 17 May, 1.4 million cases of “fever” had been reported, with 56 deaths since late April. The country is treating fever as indicative of COVID-19 infection owing to reported shortages of …

N. Korea’s Kim faces ‘huge dilemma’ on aid as virus surges
2 years, 7 months ago

N. Korea’s Kim faces ‘huge dilemma’ on aid as virus surges

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — During more than a decade as North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un has made “self-reliance” his governing lynchpin, shunning international help and striving instead for domestic strategies to fix his battered economy. The North’s apparent underreporting of deaths is meant to defend Kim’s authority as he faces “the first and biggest crisis” of his decade of …

North Korea reports another fever surge amid Covid-19 crisis
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea reports another fever surge amid Covid-19 crisis

India Today  

North Korea on Tuesday reported another large jump in illnesses believed to be Covid-19 and encouraged good health habits, as a mass outbreak spreads through its unvaccinated population and military officers were deployed to distribute medicine. That raises North Korea's deaths to 56 after more than 1.48 million people became ill with fever since late April. North Korea lacks test …

North Korea reports another fever surge amid COVID-19 crisis
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea reports another fever surge amid COVID-19 crisis

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea on Tuesday reported another large jump in illnesses believed to be COVID-19 and encouraged good health habits, as a mass outbreak spreads through its unvaccinated population and military officers were deployed to distribute medicine. That raises North Korea’s deaths to 56 after more than 1.48 million people became ill with fever since late April. …

North Korea reports another surge in fevers amid Covid crisis
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea reports another surge in fevers amid Covid crisis

India Today  

North Korea on Tuesday reported another large jump in illnesses believed to be Covid-19 as a mass outbreak spreads through its unvaccinated population and military medical officers were deployed to distribute medicine. North Korea lacks testing supplies to confirm coronavirus infections in large numbers, and the report didn’t say how many of the fever cases were Covid-19. Read: China tests …

What's going on with North Korea's COVID-19 crisis? What is Kim Jong Un's regime saying about it? Are they telling the truth?
2 years, 7 months ago

What's going on with North Korea's COVID-19 crisis? What is Kim Jong Un's regime saying about it? Are they telling the truth?

ABC  

Until last week, North Korea had claimed to have come through the coronavirus pandemic unscathed. North Korea isn't saying how many of the "fever cases" have been confirmed as the virus. Describing it as a "great upheaval", leader Kim Jong Un ordered the country into lockdown, restricting the travel of people and supplies. Dr Leonid Petrov, a leading expert on …

Kim blasts pandemic response as North Korean outbreak surges
2 years, 7 months ago

Kim blasts pandemic response as North Korean outbreak surges

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized officials over slow medicine deliveries and mobilized the military to respond to a surge in suspected COVID-19 infections, as his nation struggled to contain a fever that has reportedly killed dozens and sickened nearly a million others in a span of three days. “When people die, North Korean authorities …

Kim blasts North Korea’s pandemic response as outbreak surges
2 years, 7 months ago

Kim blasts North Korea’s pandemic response as outbreak surges

LA Times  

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, visits a pharmacy in Pyongyang on Sunday. “When people die, North Korean authorities will say they’ve died of overwork or from natural deaths, not because of COVID-19,” said Nam Sung-wook, a professor at Korea University in South Korea. Nam said the North is probably …

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