Coronavirus: North Korea quarantines foreigners amid fears

(FASTNEWS | Coronavirus) – North Korea has quarantined 380 foreigners in a bid to stop the coronavirus from breaking out.

The foreigners are mostly diplomats stationed in the capital Pyongyang, said news agency Yonhap, quoting the Korean Central Broadcasting Station.

Around 200 foreigners had already been confined to their compounds for the past 30 days – but as that came to an end, the quarantine has been extended.

There have not been any reported cases of Covid-19 in North Korea.

It’s not known how long the new quarantine will last.

In South Korea, seven people have died with 763 people infected. Around 7,700 troops have been quarantined after 11 military members were infected.

The virus, which emerged in China, has spread to 29 countries.

Italy has the highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe, with 152. Around 50,000 people in two northern “hotspot” regions – Veneto and Lombardy – have been put under quarantine for two weeks.

Iran has also confirmed 43 cases of the virus and eight deaths.

More than 2,500 people have died from the virus in mainland China, with some 77,150 cases confirmed cases reported.

What is the situation in North Korea?

North Korea has not confirmed any cases – but there are clearly fears of it spreading, as the country shares a border with China.

All foreigners coming into the country must be quarantined for 30 days.

There are relatively few foreigners in North Korea, and only around 200 westerners, according to one expert.

North Korean authorities have also cancelled the annual Pyongyang marathon, which typically sees people from all over the world participating.

Around 3,000 people in North Pyongan province – a north-western region bordering China – are also now under monitoring for reportedly showing suspected symptoms, said state media.

South Korea has the largest number of confirmed cases outside China, after a sharp spike in recent days.

Eight new cases of the virus have been reported in the army, and one in the navy, air force and marine corps – bringing the number to 11.

But the biggest virus clusters have been linked to a hospital and a religious group near the south-eastern city of Daegu.

What’s happening in Italy?

Italian officials have introduced sweeping measures to control what is now the worst outbreak of the coronavirus in Europe – at least three people have died and more than 150 cases confirmed.

In the regions of Lombardy and Veneto, a lock-down is in place in several small towns. For the next two weeks, 50,000 residents will not be able to leave without special permission.

Even outside the zone, many businesses and schools have suspended activities, and sporting events have been cancelled – including several top-flight football matches.

Officials have yet to find the first carrier of the virus in the country.

(Agencies)