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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting with the National Quarantine Command
Photo: STR/AFP
One day after the official confirmation of the first corona outbreak since the pandemic began in North Korea, there is the first death report.
In addition, according to the state news agency KCNA, around 350,000 people have apparently already been infected with an “unknown fever”.
As KCNA reported on Friday, about 187,800 people have been isolated and are now receiving treatment.
"A fever, the cause of which could not be determined, has exploded across the country since late April," the report said.
On Thursday alone, around 18,000 people across the country were suffering from fever.
It is currently unclear how many of those infected have actually been tested for Covid-19.
According to the agency, at least six people died from the fever, although only one of the fatalities was officially diagnosed with a coronavirus infection.
Lockdown ordered
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un confirmed the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in his country on Thursday and declared a state of emergency.
A sub-variant of the highly contagious omicron pathogen was discovered in the capital, Pyongyang.
Kim ordered a nationwide lockdown and said there appears to be a flaw in the epidemic prevention system already in place, according to KCNA reports.
Another report said the health authorities were trying to organize testing and treatment systems and stepping up disinfection measures.
The rapid spread of the virus could lead to a crisis in North Korea as the country lacks medical resources and refuses international help with vaccinations.
Analysts say the coronavirus outbreak could exacerbate the isolated country's already difficult food situation this year.
bbr/Reuters/AFP