Possibility of Underreporting COVID-19 Scale in the North... Due to Poor Medical Conditions, Folk Remedies Like "Honey Consumption" Are Also Being Used

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Rodong Sinmun Introduces 'Private Remedies'... "Consume Honey and Eat Comfortably"
Kim Jong Un Donates Owned Emergency Medicines to Authorities

On the 12th, Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, visited the National Emergency Anti-epidemic Command to inspect the COVID-19 prevention status. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] North Korea has disclosed the number of COVID-19 fever patients and deaths, but doubts about the credibility of these figures have been raised.

On the 15th, North Korea's National Emergency Anti-Epidemic Command reported that from the end of last month until 6 p.m. the previous day, the number of 'fever patients' was approximately 820,620, of whom about 496,030 have recovered and about 34,550 are undergoing treatment. The cumulative death toll was 42.

COVID-19 related statistics were reported by Korean Central News Agency, Rodong Sinmun, and Korean Central Broadcasting Station, among others.

At a meeting convened on the 14th, Chairman Kim Jong-un evaluated the current situation, stating that "most of the COVID-19 progress is smooth." However, contrary to the reports, concerns have been raised that North Korean authorities may be downplaying the scale due to fears of 'public discontent,' suggesting the actual situation on the ground could be more severe.

In reality, North Korean residents have no immunity to the COVID-19 virus as they have not been vaccinated, and ongoing food shortages make it difficult to assess their nutritional status as good. Moreover, there is insufficient supply of protective equipment to respond to infections.

Furthermore, without expert rapid antigen test kits or self-test kits, it is difficult to confirm whether those with fever have COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses.

It is speculated that North Korean media use the term 'fever patients' instead of 'confirmed cases' for this reason.

As a last resort, North Korean health authorities are responding by introducing folk remedies through media outlets.

On the 15th, Rodong Sinmun advised, "If you have a cough, eat honey. However, children under 12 months should avoid honey consumption."

They also recommended taking antipyretic analgesics such as paracetamol and ibuprofen if you have a fever, and opening windows to cool the room if you experience shortness of breath.

Visiting a hospital was introduced as the very last step.

The newspaper stated, "If you endure like this for 4 weeks and your condition worsens, or if you cough up blood, faint, experience subcutaneous bleeding, or abnormal urine output, then see a doctor."

It also focused on reassuring residents. The newspaper explained, "The impact of the Omicron variant virus on the lungs is not significant," and "especially for children, it only causes effects similar to a common cold."

Along with this, it conveyed advice such as "Do not drink coffee," "Get plenty of sleep," "Drink warm water," and "Keep your mind at ease."

Meanwhile, health authorities are also encouraging participation from social leaders to overcome the disaster and prevent public discontent.

The day before, Chairman Kim donated his personal stockpile of medicines to the Party Committee, saying, "I earnestly hope that peace and laughter will return to every household in the country as soon as possible," and "I present the prepared stockpile of medicines to the Headquarters Party Committee. Please send them to the difficult and hard-hit generations."

Party cadres, as well as officials from the Cabinet and central institutions, are also participating in medicine donations.

Additionally, as cases of indiscriminate drug misuse among residents have surged, health authorities are accelerating the production of treatment guides.

According to Central TV, health ministry officials held an emergency consultation with officials from central hospitals such as Okryu Children's Hospital and Pyongyang Maternity Hospital to create treatment guidance manuals, which will be distributed as soon as possible.

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