China’s Omicron surge shows risk of North Korea’s own zero-COVID strategy | NK News
NK News Logo
November 07, 2024
Border Controls

China’s Omicron surge shows risk of North Korea’s own zero-COVID strategy

Experts expect tighter border controls, warning virulent variant would wreak havoc on DPRK’s unvaccinated population

North Korea may restrict the flow of cargo into the country in response to soaring COVID-19 case numbers in neighboring China, experts told NK News on Wednesday, with the DPRK facing the possibility of an “apocalyptical” outbreak if the highly contagious Omicron variant spreads through the country’s unvaccinated population.

Mainland China reported 5,280 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, including more than 3,000 cases in the northeastern Jilin Province bordering the DPRK. The rapid virus resurgence has led authorities to impose new quarantine restrictions and construct makeshift hospitals, with one senior official describing the province as “in a last-ditch battle” against COVID-19.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.