"Suspected COVID-19 Defector's Defection to North Korea" Kim Jong-un Issues Top Alert, Kaesong Locked Down (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] North Korean state media reported that North Korea has shifted its national emergency quarantine system to a 'maximum emergency system' and sealed off Kaesong in response to a defector suspected of having contracted the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) who crossed into North Korea through Kaesong.

On the 26th, the Korean Central News Agency reported, "An emergency incident occurred on the 19th when a defector suspected of being infected with a malignant virus (COVID-19) illegally crossed the Military Demarcation Line after three years and returned home to Kaesong City." It added, "Multiple tests were conducted on the upper respiratory secretions and blood of the illegal returnee," and "there were suspicious results that could be considered as infection with the malignant virus." North Korean authorities reportedly investigated, tested, and quarantined all individuals who had contact with the suspected patient and those who passed through Kaesong City over the past five days.

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, convened an emergency expanded meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party and declared a shift to the maximum emergency system on the same day. Chairman Kim held an emergency meeting on the 25th regarding the "risk that could cause a fatal and destructive disaster in Kaesong City." On the afternoon of the 24th, when related reports were received, Kaesong City was completely sealed off, and "preemptive measures" were taken to isolate districts and areas. The Korean Central News Agency explained, "The Party Central Committee's determination to declare a state of emergency and issue a special alert in the affected area was proclaimed."

Chairman Kim said, "Despite having implemented strong defensive quarantine measures nationwide in various sectors over the past six months and having sealed all routes, a dangerous situation has arisen that suggests the malignant virus has entered our territory," and added, "Everyone must seriously accept the reality that we are facing a state of emergency."

Meanwhile, North Korea has claimed until recently that there were zero confirmed COVID-19 cases within the country. However, Japanese Sankei Shimbun and others reported that as of April 10, COVID-19 deaths and suspected cases occurred in areas close to the Chinese border such as Sinuiju, Hamhung, and Chongjin, or in trade ports. According to a report for officials obtained by a defector group of former North Korean military personnel, as of the same date, the number of COVID-19 deaths in North Korea was 267, and the number of quarantined individuals was 48,528.

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