North Korea continues to struggle with the coronavirus outbreak – which was only officially confirmed recently. Since then, containment measures have been imposed. The mourners also wore respiratory protection at the state funeral for a high-ranking soldier on Monday. All except ruler Kim Jong Un.
When the internationally largely isolated country first confirmed the corona outbreak on May 12, Kim still had herself demonstratively at the forefront of efforts to contain the virus. He ordered nationwide lockdowns and ordered the military to support the ailing health system.
As far as mask protection goes, however, he seems to be sending mixed signals: in photos published in recent weeks by North Korea’s state agency KCNA, he can sometimes be seen with mouth and nose protection, sometimes without. The distance probably does not matter, the interlocutors can always be seen with a mask.
Coffin worn for mentor
The dictator carried the coffin at the funeral of Marshal Hyon Chol Hae along with other government officials. Hyon was also an influential politician and is said to have once mentored Kim Jong Un and primed him to take power before the death of his father Kim Jong Il.
According to official information, the number of corona infections is falling: 167,650 cases of “fever” were reported in North Korea on Monday – a sharp drop compared to the 390,000 cases a week earlier. One person died, increasing the number of recorded deaths to 68. More than 2.8 million infections have been officially confirmed. It has not been announced how many of those affected have been tested for infection with the corona virus.
Eruption “under control”, experts doubt
Last weekend, state media reported that the outbreak is now under control and that the number of deaths “declined sharply every day”. However, this is questioned by independent experts. It won’t be one There is fear of a lack of vaccine, but also that general medical care will not be sufficient. There are also concerns about a possible food crisis in the country of 25 million people. South Korea and the United States want to help, but the government in Pyongyang has not yet responded to their offer.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
