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{{History of North Korea}}
{{History of North Korea}}


There are no confirmed cases of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] in the [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] (North Korea), though some foreign analysts believe that the virus spread to the country by March 2020.<ref name="scmp1">{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3074377/coronavirus-nearly-200-north-korea-soldiers-die-outbreak|title=Coronavirus: nearly 200 North Korea soldiers 'die from outbreak government refuses to acknowledge'|author=<!--Not stated-->|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="Who Knows"/> Both its neighbors, [[China]] and [[South Korea]], had significant outbreaks. Starting in January, the North Korean government took extensive measures, including quarantines and travel restrictions, to block the spread of the pandemic. In April, the US analyst website [[38 North]] said this appeared to be successful in containing the virus.<ref name=38north-20200423/> However, on November 3 2020 there are 5,368 suspected COVID-19 cases in North Korea tied to a military parade on October 10. <ref>https://www.nknews.org/2020/11/north-korea-reports-5368-suspected-covid-19-cases-surge-amid-military-parade/</ref>
There are no confirmed cases of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] in the [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] (North Korea), though some foreign analysts believe that the virus spread to the country by March 2020.<ref name="scmp1">{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3074377/coronavirus-nearly-200-north-korea-soldiers-die-outbreak|title=Coronavirus: nearly 200 North Korea soldiers 'die from outbreak government refuses to acknowledge'|author=<!--Not stated-->|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="Who Knows"/> Both its neighbors, [[China]] and [[South Korea]], had significant outbreaks. Starting in January, the North Korean government took extensive measures, including quarantines and travel restrictions, to block the spread of the pandemic. In April, the US analyst website [[38 North]] said this appeared to be successful in containing the virus.<ref name=38north-20200423/> However, on November 3 2020 there were 5,368 suspected COVID-19 cases in North Korea tied to a military parade on October 10. <ref>https://www.nknews.org/2020/11/north-korea-reports-5368-suspected-covid-19-cases-surge-amid-military-parade/</ref>


==Background==
==Background==

Revision as of 09:30, 3 November 2020

COVID-19 pandemic in The Democratic People's Republic of Korea
DiseaseCOVID-19
Virus strainSARS-CoV-2
LocationNorth Korea
First outbreakWuhan, Hubei, China
Confirmed cases0
Suspected cases‡5,368 [1]
Recovered0
Deaths
0
‡Suspected cases have not been confirmed by laboratory tests as being due to this strain, although some other strains may have been ruled out.
Part of a series on the
History of North Korea
Emblem of North Korea
Division of Korea 1945–1948
 People's Republic of
 Korea		 1945–1946
 Soviet Civil
 Administration		 1945–1948
 Provisional People's
 Committee of North
 Korea		 1946–1948
Kim Il Sung 1948–1994
 Korean War 1950–1953
 Korean DMZ Conflict 1966–1969
 Juche 1972
 1993-1994 nuclear
 crisis		 1993–1994
 Death and state
 funeral of
 Kim Il Sung		 1994
Kim Jong Il 1994–2011
 North Korean famine 1994–1998
 Songun 1998
 Sunshine Policy 1998–2010
 Six-party talks 2003
 ROKS Cheonan sinking 2010
 Death and state
 funeral of
 Kim Jong Il		 2011
Kim Jong Un 2011–present
 State Affairs
 Commission		 2016
 2017-2018 North
 Korean crisis		 2017–2018
 Korean peace process 2018–2019
 COVID-19 pandemic 2019–2023
flag North Korea portal

There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), though some foreign analysts believe that the virus spread to the country by March 2020.[2][3] Both its neighbors, China and South Korea, had significant outbreaks. Starting in January, the North Korean government took extensive measures, including quarantines and travel restrictions, to block the spread of the pandemic. In April, the US analyst website 38 North said this appeared to be successful in containing the virus.[4] However, on November 3 2020 there were 5,368 suspected COVID-19 cases in North Korea tied to a military parade on October 10. [5]

Background

North Korea borders China and South Korea, two countries with early outbreaks. China is North Korea's closest ally, most important trading partner, and a source of tourists.[6][7] The Chinese-North Korean border is porous, in contrast to the heavily militarized border between North and South Korea. However, suspected COVID-19 cases in the two Chinese provinces (Liaoning and Jilin) bordering North Korea have been low.[3]

Diplomatically and economically isolated,[3] North Korea is an impoverished country with a weak healthcare system and is subject to sanctions, rendering it vulnerable in the event of an outbreak.[8][6] In March 2020, there was concern that widespread malnutrition could exacerbate the spread of COVID-19.[3] In April, North Korean public health official Pak Myong-su said that if the disease spread in North Korea, "a serious disaster could not be avoided".[9] The government is secretive and the media are tightly controlled, making it difficult for outside observers to determine what is really going on in the country.[3]

Historically, North Korea has restricted travel in the face of epidemics abroad, for instance, SARS in 2003 and the West African Ebola virus epidemic in 2014.[10][6] The country eradicated measles in 2018.[3][11] North Korea's government is highly totalitarian and maintains strict control over the country and its society, which experts anticipated could help in enforcing disease control measures such as social distancing.[3][12] North Korea also has many doctors for its per capita GDP, though they are less skilled and equipped than their counterparts in the Western world and in South Korea, and a high level of public hygiene.[12]

Expats living in North Korea are concerned about potential treatment for COVID-19 since North Koreans are mostly strapped for resources and money while the option to seek treatment in China is difficult due to travel restrictions and a hefty fee required to enter.[13]

Developments

January–February 2020

Masikryong Ski Resort, a popular ski resort in North Korea. Due to the outbreak of the virus, ski resorts and spas in North Korea have been closed.

North Korea was one of the first countries to close borders due to COVID-19.[10][14] Starting from 23 January, North Korea banned foreign tourists, and all flights in and out of the country were halted. The authorities also started placing multiple suspected cases, those with slight symptoms such as flu in quarantine for two weeks in Sinuiju.[15][16][6] On 30 January, North Korea's news agency KCNA declared a "state emergency" and reported the establishment of anti-epidemic headquarters around the country.[17] Though many parts of the border were closed, the bridge between Dandong and Sinuiju remained open and allowed supplies to be delivered.[18] In late February, the North Korean government said that it would keep the border closed until a cure was found.[19]

On 2 February, KCNA reported that all the people who had entered the country after 13 January were placed under "medical supervision".[17] South Korean media outlet Daily NK reported that five suspected COVID-19 patients in Sinuiju on the Chinese border had died on 7 February.[20] Within the same day, The Korea Times reported that a North Korean female living in the capital Pyongyang was infected.[21] Despite no confirmation by North Korean authorities on the claims, the country implemented further strict measures to combat the spread of the virus.[22][23] Schools were closed starting on 20 February.[24] On 29 February, Kim Jong-un called for stronger measures to be taken to prevent COVID-19 from spreading to North Korea.[25]

In early February, the North Korean government took severe measures to block the spread of the coronavirus. Rodong Sinmun, the Workers' Party of Korea newspaper, reported that the customs officials at Nampho port were performing disinfection activities, including placing imported goods in quarantine.[26] All international flights and railway services were suspended in early February, and connections by sea and road were largely closed over the following weeks.[19] In February, wearing face masks was obligatory and visiting public places such as restaurants was forbidden. Ski resorts and spas were closed and military parades, marathons, and other public events were cancelled.[19] Schools were closed throughout the country; university students in Pyongyang from elsewhere in the country were confined to their dormitories.[27][24]

Although South Korean media reported the epidemic had spread to North Korea, the WHO denied the veracity of such claims. On 18 February, Rodong Sinmun quoted a public health official reiterating that there had been "no confirmed case of the new coronavirus so far". The WHO prioritised aid for North Korea, including the shipment of protective equipment and supplies.[28]

The South Korean-based Daily NK reported information from an informant inside North Korea's military on 9 March, stating that 180 soldiers had died in January and February while about 3,700 soldiers were under quarantine.[29]

March 2020

Hospital staff in Pyongyang

North Korean citizens returning from other countries were subjected to a 40-day isolation period to which was added a 30-day "medical observation" period. According to North Korean media, nearly 7,000 North Koreans were subjected to these rules on 1 March.[19]

On 14 March, North Korea state media reported there were still no confirmed cases in its territory.[30]

Kim Jong-un ordered the construction of new hospitals in the country on 18 March. North Korean state media also reported that groundbreaking on a new hospital was underway the day prior on Tuesday 17 March. Kim told a newspaper linked to the ruling Workers' Party of Korea that the construction of new hospitals were being done for general improvement of the nation's healthcare system without mentioning COVID-19.[31]

On 20 March, North Korean media reported that apart from three foreigners, more than 2,590 people had been released from quarantine in North Pyongan and South Pyongan provinces.[32]

Outside organizations provided aid to fight the virus: the Russian government provided test kits,[18] the WHO announced plans to send supplies despite the lack of confirmed cases, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, U.S. State Department, and South Korean government all indicated willingness to help.[3] The U.S. government worked with the United Nations to make exceptions to sanctions, though they were also criticized for slowing down the process for providing aid.[14] Doctors Without Borders said in late March that supplies of diagnostic equipment and personal protective equipment were stranded on the Chinese border.[33]

On 26 March, the New York Times reported satellite imagery shared by the Royal United Services Institute, which showed that the illicit trafficking of coal and other goods stopped, with the commercial vessels idling in their home ports.[34] After shutting its border, North Korea's official exports to China were worth $610,000 in March 2020, down 96% from the previous year.[35]

According to the North Korean government, 10,000 people had been quarantined by the end of March.[7] From 12 February, the 14-day quarantine on all foreigners (including their local staff) was extended to 30 days.[19] Diplomats and other foreigners were evacuated to Vladivostok in March.[14][18] By 27 March, according to North Korean media, there were only two foreigners in quarantine and 2,280 North Koreans were under "medical observation" in areas such as South Phyongan province and North Phyongan province, Ryanggang province, and the city of Rason.[33]

The North Korean military fired five missiles on two occasions in early March 2020, which may be "an effort to ensure the country remains on the agenda for other nations amid the virus outbreak".[3] More missile tests followed in late March, along with an announcement that the Supreme People's Assembly would meet in early April. Foreign observers said the government was trying to show confidence in their handling of the virus.[36] The South Korean military called the missile tests "extremely inappropriate" in light of the pandemic.[37]

In February and March, U.S. officials observed a decrease in military activity in North Korea, which they believed to be a sign that there are COVID-19 cases in the country.[3] General Robert B. Abrams observed that the North Korean military had "been on lockdown for about 30 days" and "didn’t fly an airplane for 24 days".[3]

In mid March, Kim Jong-un sent a letter to South Korean president Moon Jae-in as a show of support amidst the outbreak in South Korea.[38] US President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Kim Jong-un to express his willingness to work with him on dealing with COVID-19.[39] North Korean state media has reported on the severity of the outbreak in other countries.[7]

On 31 March, the Asia Times reported that North Korea's measures against the pandemic seemed largely successful.[40]

April–June 2020

North Korean village near the border with China

On 1 April, North Korean public health official Pak Myong-su stated that North Korea had no cases of the virus.[9] Edwin Salvador, WHO's representative in North Korea, reported that as of 2 April, 709 people had been tested, with no confirmed cases, and 509 people were in quarantine.[41] On 23 April, it was reported that the country had conducted 740 coronavirus tests, and all of them came back negative.[42] The same day, Daily NK reported that a defecting North Korean who was shot attempting to cross the Tumen River into China tested positive for the virus.[43]

On 11 April, Kim Jong-un presided over a meeting of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea. The meeting adopted a joint resolution by the Central Committee, State Affairs Commission and the Cabinet, "On more thoroughly taking national measures for protecting the life and safety of our people from the worldwide epidemic disease". The resolution called to take strict national countermeasures to thoroughly check the inroads of the virus due to the steady spread of the epidemic.[44]

From mid to late April, restrictions on foreigners travelling in Pyongyang were relaxed, Nampo harbour was reopened to container ships, and the 14th Supreme People's Assembly with hundreds of delegates was held without the wearing of face masks.[4][45] On 23 April, US analyst website 38 North reported that North Korea's early and extensive response appeared to be successful in containing the virus.[4]

In late May, UK ambassador to North Korea Colin Crooks stated that the British Embassy in Pyongyang was closed temporarily from 27 May and all diplomatic staff had left the country for the time being.[46] According to a statement from the British Foreign Office, this was due to restrictions on entry to the country, making it a challenge to rotate staff and sustain the operation of the Embassy.[46]

On June 19, an update to the World Health Organization (WHO) from the Ministry of Public Health affirmed that all the educational institutions in the country were now open.[47][48]

The underground network that assists defectors in escaping North Korea has been almost unable to operate amidst strict controls implemented to stop the virus, with defection attempts being suspended.[49] Defection rates had been declining already, probably due to increased security under the administrations of Kim Jong-un in North Korea and Xi Jinping in China.[49] Between the start of April and end of June 2020, 12 North Korean defectors entered South Korea compared with 320 during the same period in 2019.[50]

July–October 2020

On July 1, a WHO official said a ban on public gatherings remained and people were required to wear masks in public.[47] KCNA and Rodong Sinmun released images from a meeting on July 2 with Kim Jong-un and dozens of officials, none of whom were shown wearing masks.[51][52] According to Dr. Edwin Salvador, the WHO's representative in North Korea, 922 people in the country were tested for COVID-19 and all had tested negative.[51]

On July 25, Kim Jong-un attended an emergency meeting after a suspected COVID-19 case was reported in the city of Kaesong. Kim declared a state of emergency and imposed a lockdown on the city.[53][54] The suspected case was reported to be an individual who had defected to South Korea three years earlier, before returning to North Korea. According to a South Korean senior health official, the individual was neither registered as a COVID-19 patient nor classified as someone who came in contact with other patients. Two close contacts of the defector in South Korea tested negative for the virus.[55] On August 5, Salvador said the returning defector was tested but the "results were inconclusive".[56] On August 14, the three week lockdown in Kaesong and nearby areas was lifted by Kim Jong-un,[57] after 'the scientific verification and guarantee by a professional anti-epidemic organisation'.[58]

On September 22, the crew of a North Korean patrol boat killed a South Korean fisheries officer whom they encountered off their coast and then torched his flotation device in compliance with COVID–19 emergency orders. Kim apologized to South Korea for the incident.[59] In October, North Korean media said that the world was looking at North Korea with envy because of its virus-free status, but at the same time warned against complacency.[60] In the same month, there was a spike in people tested and quarantined, possibly related to celebrations on October 10.[61]

See also

References

  1. ^ https://www.nknews.org/2020/11/north-korea-reports-5368-suspected-covid-19-cases-surge-amid-military-parade/
  2. ^ "Coronavirus: nearly 200 North Korea soldiers 'die from outbreak government refuses to acknowledge'". South China Morning Post. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Wainer, David; Lee, Jihye (March 17, 2020). "Who Knows How Many Virus Cases North Korea Has. It Says Zero". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
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  47. ^ a b Shin, Hyonhee (July 1, 2020). "North Korea reopens schools, but stays on guard against COVID-19 threat: WHO" Reuters.
  48. ^ Salmon, Andrew (June 1, 2020). "North Korea's police state hints at virus victory". Asia Times.
  49. ^ a b "Group of North Korean women and children escape coronavirus lockdown". www.ft.com. March 14, 2020. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  50. ^ White, Edward (July 1, 2020). "North Korea defections at record low after China virus crackdown" Financial Times.
  51. ^ a b Berlinger, Joshua; Hancocks, Paula; Seo, Yoonjung (July 3, 2020). "North Korea's Covid-19 response has been a 'shining success,' Kim Jong Un claims" CNN.
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  53. ^ Sang-Hun, Choe (July 25, 2020). "North Korea Declares Emergency After Suspected Covid-19 Case" The New York Times
  54. ^ Cha, Sangmi; Smith, Josh (July 25, 2020). "North Korea declares emergency in border town over first suspected COVID-19 case". Reuters. Retrieved July 25, 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  55. ^ "Coronavirus: Swimming defector was not infected, says S Korea". BBC. July 27, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  56. ^ Farge, Emma; Smith, Josh (August 5, 2020). "WHO says North Korea's COVID-19 test results for first suspected case 'inconclusive'" Reuters.
  57. ^ Cha, Sangmi (August 14, 2020). "North Korea lifts lockdown in border town after suspected COVID-19 case 'inconclusive'" Reuters.
  58. ^ Political News Team. "16th Meeting of Political Bureau of 7th Central Committee of WPK Held". rodong.rep.kp. Retrieved August 21, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  59. ^ Kim, Jeongmin; Kasulis, Kelly (September 25, 2020). "Kim Jong Un apologizes for lethal shooting of South Korean official". NK News.
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  61. ^ Kim, Jeongmin (November 3, 2020). "North Korea reports 5,368 "suspected" COVID-19 cases, surge amid military parade". NK News.
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