N.Korea urges continued anti-virus efforts despite self-claimed win over Covid

by IANS |

Seoul, Aug 16 (IANS) North Korea on Tuesday urged its citizens not to let their guard down against Covid-19, having claimed victory last week in its fight against the pandemic.

On August 11, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un convened a national meeting, reviewed the virus situation and ordered the lifting of the country's "maximum emergency anti-epidemic" measures, three months after the nation reported the first confirmed case, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the ruling Workers' Party, called on the North Korean people to bear in mind that the slackness of even a single person can lead to another "serious situation" in the country.

"Under the wise leadership of the party, our people have wiped out the malicious virus that is terrorizing the globe within a short period of time and clinched victory in the anti-epidemic battle but the risk of infection has not been eliminated and the national emergency anti-epidemic campaign is not over yet," the paper said.

Since declaring victory over the virus, North Korea has lifted a face mask mandate and eased anti-virus curbs across the country with the exception of "frontline areas and borderline cities and counties".

Pyongyang announced its first Covid case on May 12 after claiming to be free of the virus for over two years and implemented nationwide lockdowns.

Latest News
Pak Foreign Office endorses Foreign Minister's proposal on resuming trade with India Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 12:24 PM
Four drones launched by Yemen's Houthis destroyed: US military Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 12:16 PM
Executive Board of Rajasthan Cricket Association Dissolved; Ad-hoc Committee Established Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 12:07 PM
Bird flu outbreak reported at Bulgarian farm Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:48 AM
Dimitrov ends Alcaraz' chances of 'Sunshine Double' in Miami Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:43 AM
World should develop the concept of Green GDP: PM Modi Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:42 AM
Deepfakes in a democratic country like India a big concern: PM Modi Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:41 AM
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:39 AM
One killed, 27 injured in multiple vehicles collision in Myanmar Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:36 AM
Bangladeshi teen in 'mental crisis' shot dead by New York police Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:31 AM
Man shot dead in Australia Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:24 AM
Will reach out to people on frozen accounts issue, says KC Venugopal Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:22 AM
Bengal political parties begin special drive to ensure migrant workers participate in polling Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:20 AM
Centre issues advisory against mobile calls impersonating DoT Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 11:17 AM
Sensex crosses 74K mark in 1000 points rally Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 03:42 PM