North Korea recorded 21 deaths from ‘fever’ amid the outbreak of COVID-19

According to North Korean media, on May 13 alone, the country detected 174,440 cases of fever symptoms and 21 people died.

KCNA said: “On May 13, 174,440 new fever cases were reported nationwide, 81,430 people recovered and 21 deaths.” KCNA did not specify whether the victims tested positive for COVID-19 or not.

“The total number of sick people nationwide is 524,440 people, of which 234,630 people have completely recovered, 288,810 people are being treated, and the death toll so far is 27 people,” KCNA said. let me know.

On May 13, KCNA For the first time, it provides data on the number of COVID-19 cases in North Korea, and confirms the country has one death caused by the Omicron variant. Accordingly, this country has an additional 18,000 people recorded with fever symptoms on May 12.

Facing the complicated situation of the epidemic, North Korea held the second Politburo meeting this week, under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un. Leader Kim Jong-un said that North Korea faces a “major incident” due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, Kim Jong-un affirmed that Pyongyang can overcome this disaster, and can learn from Beijing’s anti-epidemic experiences.

Also during the meeting, North Korea discussed “timely emergency drug delivery” and introduce “scientific treatment strategies and methods for treating different patients, including those with special backgrounds”.

Previously, North Korea denied having any COVID-19 cases and refused to receive vaccines from outside, including millions of doses of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines. The fact that Pyongyang recorded the disease this time may show how serious the highly infectious variant of Omicron is raging around the world.

The United Nations on May 13 affirmed its readiness to assist North Korea in dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, affirmed that the organization is committed to standing ready with its humanitarian partners to assist the North Korean people with COVID-19 and other issues. The difficult situation has likely worsened since the outbreak and border closure in 2020.

Farhan Haq said the United Nations is monitoring the epidemic situation in North Korea, keeping in touch with the North Korean representative on this issue.

North Korea has taken drastic COVID-19 containment measures, especially closing its border with China, its largest trading partner. Along with international sanctions, COVID-19 also has a big impact on North Korea’s economy.