First COVID-19 Case Confirmed in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, China

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] For the first time, a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection has been reported in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province, China, which borders North Korea. Previously, North Korean authorities announced the suspension of entry for all Chinese nationals and foreigners coming from China, along with border closures and the suspension of visa issuance.

On the 30th, the Jilin Provincial Health Commission announced that one confirmed case of the novel coronavirus was reported in each of the two cities, Tumen and Helong, within the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture the previous day. The confirmed case reported in Tumen was an employee of a technology company from Wuhan, Hubei Province, who arrived in Tumen on the 23rd and was placed under self-quarantine after a hospital visit the following day. The confirmed case in Helong was also known to be a dental healthcare worker from Wuhan.

Chinese health authorities identified 11 close contacts of these confirmed cases who are currently under observation and requested that anyone who used the same transportation as these individuals report to health authorities. Until the previous day, there had been reports of five confirmed cases in Dandong, known as the largest trade hub city between North Korea and China, but this is the first time confirmed cases have been reported in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.

Along with the increase in confirmed cases in the border area, North Korean authorities have taken drastic measures such as closing the border and suspending visa issuance for foreigners. On the 27th, North Korean authorities notified the Management Office of the Trade Port in Hunchun, Jilin Province, that entry of all Chinese nationals and foreigners passing through China would be suspended. They also stated that foreigners who must enter will be quarantined for one month. All group tour programs have been canceled. North Korea previously implemented strict blocking policies, including border and flight route closures, during the SARS outbreak in China in 2003 to prevent damage.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.