Cross-border train routes to North Korea from China and Russia have closed in recent days, state media reports from both countries' state media indicated on Friday and Monday, as Pyongyang steps up efforts to prevent the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus into the DPRK.

The China News Service (CNS) reporting details of three route suspensions on Friday, with Russia’s TASS news agency following up with a report on Monday announcing routes to the North Korean capital Pyongyang through the Far East city of Vladivostok had also been put on hold.