North Korea mobilizes army, strengthens COVID-19 tracing

This information is provided by the State News Agency North Korea (KCNA) said on May 17 in the context of the country’s efforts to contain the wave of the outbreak COVID-19 is spreading.

North Korea is grappling with an outbreak of COVID-19 that was first confirmed last week, raising fears of a major health crisis in the country due to a lack of vaccines and much-needed medical infrastructure. set.

By the evening of May 16, North Korea recorded an additional 269,510 people with fever symptoms, bringing the total to 1,483,060 people, while the number of deaths increased by 6 cases, to a total of 56 patients. KCNA did not say how many people had tested positive for COVID-19.

Chairman Kim Jong-un visits a pharmacy in Pyongyang, North Korea, May 15, 2022. (Photo: AP)

“A powerful force” of military medics was immediately deployed to improve drug supplies in the capital, Pyongyang, the epicenter of the outbreak in North Korea, at the behest of leader Kim Jong-un. -un, KCNA reported.

According to KCNA, several senior members of the Politburo of the Workers’ Party of Korea visited pharmacies and drug administration offices to check the balance of supply and demand, after Kim criticized the distribution of drugs. ineffective drug.

“The North Korean authorities call for the establishment of a stricter order in the storage and handling of medical supplies, maintaining the principle of prioritizing the needs and the convenience of the people in providing them. “, KCNA said.

WHO recommends that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can spread quickly in North Korea. (Photo: AP)

Tracing efforts have been ramped up, with some 11,000 medical staff, teachers and medical students participating in a nationwide “in-depth health check-up for all” campaign to locate and treatment for people with fever.

The KCNA added that various sectors of the North Korean national economy still maintain production and construction activities and take thorough anti-epidemic measures. Chairman Kim Jong-un issued a directive authorizing the imposition of restrictive measures in each city and county.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can spread quickly in North Korea, which has not implemented a COVID-19 vaccination program and refused to support its vaccine. international.

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