This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
Published on July 3, 2020, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un spoke at a Worker's Party politburo meeting, discussing the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to KCNA, Kim praised the 'shining success' achieved by the country in preventing the spread of the virus, saying that they had 'thoroughly prevented the inroad of the malignant virus' and maintained a 'stable anti-epidemic situation' despite the global health crisis.
However, Kim also emphasized the need to remain vigilant, warning that 'hasty relief of anti-epidemic measures will result in unimaginable and irretrievable crisis.'
North Korea has taken strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including closing its borders and schools, and putting thousands of people into isolation. However, analysts have raised concerns that the country's health system may struggle to cope with a major outbreak.
Before the pandemic, more than 40 percent of the population in North Korea was already considered food insecure, with many suffering from malnutrition. The country's attempts to prevent the spread of the virus have further exacerbated food insecurity, with some people 'starving' as a result.
