North Korea "New Fever Cases Zero for Two Consecutive Days... Seeking Measures for COVID-19 Differentiation Technology"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] North Korea claimed that the number of new fever patients suspected of having COVID-19 has been '0' for two consecutive days.

On the 31st, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, citing the National Emergency Anti-epidemic Command, that no new fever patients were identified during the 24 hours from 6 p.m. on the 29th. During the same period, 28 fever patients were recorded as recovered.

This follows North Korea's announcement on the 29th, the first time since releasing COVID-19 fever patient statistics, that the number of new fever patients was zero, and the subsequent announcement the day before that there were no new fever patients.

Statistics on new and cumulative deaths, as well as fatality rates, were not disclosed. According to the most recent statistics announced on the 5th, the cumulative number of deaths was 74, with a fatality rate of 0.002%.

From the end of April until the afternoon of the previous day, a total of 4,772,813 fever patients were reported nationwide. Of these, 4,772,563 were recovered, and 176 patients, corresponding to 0.004%, were still receiving treatment, KCNA reported.

The scale of new fever patients in North Korea started at 18,000 on May 12, the first day statistics were released, surged to approximately 392,920 on the 15th, three days later, marking the highest point, and has since shown a steady decline.

However, there have been criticisms that the fatality rate is too low compared to typical COVID-19 fatality rates, making it difficult to fully trust the data.

North Korea self-assessed its COVID-19 prevention situation as being in a 'completely stable phase,' but remains vigilant against the potential spread of COVID-19 variants, monkeypox, and waterborne infectious diseases.

KCNA stated, "We are preparing for the occurrence of various infectious diseases caused by seasonal factors such as heavy rains in several regions or continuous heat waves," and added, "Research is intensifying to technically complete testing methods for monkeypox virus infections, which are causing global concern."

In particular, it was reported that technical measures are being devised to distinguish between COVID-19 and common colds, and research is underway to improve the accuracy of COVID-19 testing.

Regarding this, it expressed confidence, saying, "Through the newly introduced nationwide four-layer COVID-19 infection testing information management system, which has been implemented down to the grassroots treatment and prevention institutions, the treatment status of the respective regions is being monitored and managed in real time."

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