North Korea admits to coronavirus outbreak for the first time

North Korea on Thursday reported its first coronavirus outbreak since the pandemic began almost two years ago, with state media declaring a “most serious national emergency.

North Korea on Thursday reported its first coronavirus outbreak since the pandemic began almost two years ago, with state media declaring a “most serious national emergency.

The detection of the BA.2 omicron sub-variant of the coronavirus in the capital, Pyongyang, is a concerning development for a country that has a fragile health care system, brewing humanitarian crisis and remains one of two nations in the world that have not administered any coronavirus vaccines.
North Korea had already been in a strict pandemic lockdown, banning tourists, diplomats, aid workers and most trade by land with China. On Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un heightened border controls, ordering a lockdown of all cities and counties. State media called the outbreak “the most serious national emergency.”

NKNews, a Seoul-based website focused on monitoring North Korea, had reported this week that people in Pyongyang were ordered into lockdown, after warnings of a “national problem.” Individuals told the outlet there was panic buying and supply shortages as residents feared a prolonged lockdown in the capital.

In recent weeks, North Korean state media repeatedly warned about taking greater Covid-19 precautions because of outbreaks along its border with China, urging the public to “strengthen the anti-epidemic work in preparation for the prolonged emergency.

Source: IOL

In other news – Actress Connie Chiume opens up about being suicidal – VIDEO

South African actress Connie Chiume – who plays the character of MamSonto in Gomora revealed that she almost took her own life 20 years ago at Siyabonga Zubane’s memorial service on Thursday.