North Korea: Covid-19 deaths continue to increase rapidly, more than 820,000 suspected cases

According to the news agency Reuters, Thus, as of May 15, North Korea has had 42 deaths since the beginning of the nationwide blockade to prevent epidemics Covid-19 (from May 11). This is the first confirmed Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

North Korean state news agency KCNA said the country was taking “urgent, quick measures” to control the epidemic but showed no sign that the Pyongyang regime would make international offers for a vaccine.

North Koreans wear masks when walking on the street at the beginning of the pandemic, when the country has not reported any cases of Covid-19 – Photo: REUTERS

“All provinces, cities, districts… of the country have been completely blocked off; labor units, production units, residential areas closed from the morning of May 12; the inspection Rigorous and intensive investigation of all citizens is underway” – KCNA news.

Earlier, on May 11, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the spread of Covid-19 had pushed his country into “great turmoil” and called for an all-out war to overcome it. outbreak.

Health authorities have set up many quarantine posts, urgently transporting medical supplies to hospitals and health stations, while many high-ranking officials have donated medicine in reserve.

The latest report from the North Korean authorities said that “a large part” of the deaths were due to “carelessness in taking medicine due to a lack of knowledge and understanding about the Omicron virus infection and its treatment methods.” respectable”.

With 296,180 people with fever and 15 deaths reported on the morning of May 15, the total number of suspected Covid-19 cases in North Korea is 820,620 people, with 324,550 people being treated, the total number of deaths is 42 .

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), North Korea has not previously confirmed any Covid-19 cases and is one of the last two countries in the world that has not started a vaccination campaign against Covid-19. 19. North Korea has repeatedly rejected international offers for vaccines.