Government Approves Export of 20,000 Protective Suits Worth 200 Million KRW for COVID-19 Aid to North Korea

Second Approval for Hand Sanitizers Worth 100 Million Won
Ministry of Unification: "Funding to Be Secured Independently by Support Organizations"

Amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation, Kim Chaek University of Technology in Pyongyang, North Korea, which had extended its vacation period, reopened on the 22nd. Students wearing masks are attending school and undergoing temperature checks.

The government has approved the export of quarantine supplies worth approximately 200 million won to North Korea by a private organization promoting support for North Korea.

On the 23rd, an official from the Ministry of Unification told reporters, "Regarding the request for export of goods to North Korea submitted by one organization related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), approval was granted on the 21st. The items consist of 20,000 protective suits worth about 200 million won."

The official added, "The funding for procuring the supplies was raised independently by the supporting organization." The name of the organization was not disclosed at their request.

This approval is the second since the approval of exporting hand sanitizers worth 100 million won on the 2nd. The Ministry of Unification did not disclose whether the organization exporting hand sanitizers and the one supporting protective suits are the same.

The government is closely monitoring the international situation and North Korea's COVID-19 status. On the 2nd, a Ministry of Unification official said, "Regarding inter-Korean health cooperation, the government basically sees cooperation as necessary," adding, "We will comprehensively review related matters and determine the approach at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner."

Meanwhile, North Korea continues to claim zero confirmed COVID-19 cases. The North Korean Ministry of Public Health stated in a weekly report submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO) that as of the 17th, 212 nationals are currently in quarantine. Additionally, COVID-19 diagnostic tests were conducted on a total of 740 people, with no confirmed cases among them.

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