"COVID-19 Deadly in North Korea... Concerns Over Proper Testing Implementation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Concerns have been raised that the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) could be fatal if it breaks out in North Korea. Although North Korea claims there are no confirmed cases within the country, some experts doubt the veracity of this claim.

On the 25th (local time), the British BBC reported that North Korean society is highly vulnerable to infectious diseases. North Korea asserts that no COVID-19 cases have occurred in the country for over a month and emphasizes the need for residents to maintain a high level of vigilance.

After the spread of COVID-19, North Korea suspended train and flight operations to and from China starting at the end of January. On the 13th, it extended the quarantine and medical observation period for foreign embassy and international organization staff stationed in North Korea from 15 days to 30 days. On the 23rd, it ordered imported goods to be quarantined for 10 days before disinfection. The Pyongyang International Marathon scheduled for April was also canceled.

However, experts point out that North Korea’s poor healthcare infrastructure may mean that even if confirmed cases occur, testing might not be possible. BBC explained that some hospitals in North Korea lack proper electricity and running water, indicating a poor public health system. There are particular concerns that outside of Pyongyang, in rural areas, confirmed cases might not be properly tested.

According to the '2019 Global Health Security Index' report released last year by Johns Hopkins University in the United States, North Korea ranked 193rd out of 195 countries surveyed in health security.

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