Nearly 3 million cases of “fever”, North Korea declared “epidemic control”

According to Central News Agency North Korea (KCNA)as of the evening of May 23, North Korea recorded at least 134,510 new cases of fever symptoms, bringing the total number of cases to 2.95 million since the end of April.

The number of deaths was 68 people, with a mortality rate of 0.002%, KCNA said.

KCNA also said that North Korea has recorded “successes” in the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic. The news agency reported: “In a few days after the maximum emergency epidemic prevention system was activated, the nationwide morbidity and mortality rate decreased significantly and the number of people recovered increased, the epidemic was controlled. effective restraint and control”.

North Korea said it was expanding the production of supplies of essential drugs, but did not specify which drugs were being produced.

North Korean medical staff wearing a drop shield (supposedly made in China) collect test samples. Photo Yonhap

Currently, the authorities are distributing food and medicine across the country. Military medics were also deployed to help distribute drugs and conduct testing.

South Korea and the United States have offered to help North Korea fight the Covid-19 pandemic, including providing a vaccine, but Pyongyang has not responded to this request.

Public health facilities in North Korea are conducting a nationwide review of “experienced fever and recovered” patients to gather information and research, including latent period, symptoms, relapse rates, and drug response.

Compared with the early period when the number of fever cases suddenly increased, North Korea has now made some achievements in increasing research and analysis of changes in the course of the disease, as well as clinical responses and signs. during treatment, according to KCNA.

KCNA said that the epidemic situation in North Korea was stable and under control. Photo: AP

People wear masks in Pyongyang on May 16. Photo: AP

North Korean health authorities are working to control the spread of the virus, ensure the treatment of patients, and step up the preparation of materials and techniques to deal with potential risks and challenges. .

North Korea has imposed strict border blockade measures since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in the world in 2020.

The first wave of Covid-19 was announced by Pyongyang on May 12, raising concerns about a shortage of vaccines, weak medical infrastructure and a potential food crisis in the country. of 25 million people.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stressed the importance of optimizing the anti-epidemic policy and taking all necessary steps for economic recovery.

Faced with this situation, South Korean Unification Minister Kwon Young-se on May 23 reaffirmed a “bold plan” to help North Korea develop its economy. However, he said this would depend on the progress of Pyongyang’s denuclearization.