North Korean leader Kim Jong Un proclaimed a "resounding victory" over Covid-19 on Wednesday, after almost two weeks without any officially recorded cases.
Chairing a meeting with health personnel and scientists, Kim Jong Un welcomed this “victory (…) in the war against the malignant pandemic disease”, according to the official KCNA news agency.
"The victory won by our people is a historic event that once again showed the world the greatness of our state, the indomitable tenacity of our people and the fine national customs of which we are proud," the North Korean leader added. , quoted by the agency.
4.8 million infections since the end of April
North Korea, one of the first countries in the world to close its borders in January 2020 after the virus emerged in neighboring China, has long boasted of its ability to guard against the virus.
Pyongyang announced its first case of the coronavirus on May 12, and Kim Jong Un took personal action in the fight against the epidemic.
Since July 29, Pyongyang has reported no new cases.
Read alsoFirst official cases of Covid-19 in North Korea: containment and many questions
North Korea has recorded nearly 4.8 million infections since late April, with just 74 deaths, an official case fatality rate of 0.002%, according to KCNA.
The country's hospitals are notoriously under-equipped, with few intensive care units and no coronavirus treatment or vaccine available, experts say.
Balloons sent from South Korea
The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un accused Seoul of causing the Covid outbreak in her country and threatened "retaliation", state media reported on Thursday.
Kim Yo Jong attacked the sending of propaganda flyers by balloons from South Korea, citing a "crime against humanity", reported the official KCNA news agency.
Pyongyang had previously blamed "foreign things" near the border with the South for causing the Covid outbreak in the isolated country, claims Seoul has dismissed.
Threats of reprisals against the authorities
Despite a ban imposed in 2021, South Korean activists continue to send balloons containing leaflets and dollar bills, sparking protests from Pyongyang.
Ms. Kim argued that many countries and the WHO have recognized "the danger of spreading an infectious disease by coming into contact with contaminated objects", according to the article.
"It is very worrying that South Korea is sending leaflets, money, brochures and dirty objects to our region," she added.
Kim Yo Jong warned that Pyongyang was considering "strong retaliation", adding that, if the balloons continue, "we will respond by eradicating, not just the virus, but also the South Korean authorities".
Seoul assured in June that there were “no officially verified cases of Covid infection by mail or through material”.
