North Korea Drastically Strengthens COVID-19 Quarantine, Imposes 'Super Emergency Quarantine' with Restaurant and Bathhouse Closures

Strengthening Border Quarantine and Lockdowns... Movement Restriction Measures Also Implemented

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] North Korea has significantly strengthened its quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 2nd, Korean Central Broadcasting reported regarding COVID-19 that "in accordance with the restoration of ultra-emergency quarantine measures, the central emergency quarantine sector is strongly enforcing strict compliance with emergency quarantine discipline and order." As a result, the operation of some stores, including restaurants and bathhouses, has been suspended, and movement restrictions have also been imposed.

North Korea enacted an emergency quarantine law to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and divided the quarantine levels into three stages: Level 1, Special Level, and Ultra-Special Level, depending on the spread situation. The Ultra-Special Level involves blocking all movement routes, stopping face-to-face activities, or completely sealing off domestic areas. Previously, in early February, North Korea implemented ultra-special quarantine measures under the direction of Chairman Kim Jong-un during the initial spread of COVID-19.

Korean Central Broadcasting stated, "Movement of personnel by region is being strictly restricted, and activities of some service groups have been temporarily suspended," adding, "All units are fully equipped with video conferencing systems and internal broadcasting networks, minimizing business trips and travel, and are meticulously organizing efforts to prevent unnecessary contact and crowding among personnel."

Quarantine efforts at the borders are also being intensified. Not only land but also air and sea routes have been blocked, and comprehensive affiliated facilities have been installed at border bridges and ports where goods enter.

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 tests conducted within North Korea continues to increase. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of the 25th of last month, a total of 16,914 people in North Korea have been tested for COVID-19, with about 5,000 tested within the past month. The number of people in quarantine is 706, and the cumulative number of tests conducted this year is 32,843.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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