16 Feb 2021 | 06:02 AM UTC
North Korea: Officials continue to enforce domestic COVID-19-related restrictions as of Feb. 16 /update 15
North Korea continues to enforce domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 16. Border closure ongoing.
Event
North Korea continues to enforce domestic restrictions nationwide due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns. A state of emergency remains in effect, and restrictions on nonessential gatherings continue nationwide. Authorities are limiting nonessential inter-regional and inter-district travel. Officials require temperature checks at transport hubs before trips, shopping centers, and other public locations. Residents exhibiting temperatures for more than three days must self-quarantine. Protective face coverings remain mandatory in public spaces.
South Korean intelligence and witness accounts suggest that North Korean authorities have periodically locked down counties and cities due to suspected COVID-19 activity. Significant transport and business disruptions are likely in any areas under tighter restrictions.
Authorities have increased border security and banned residents from unauthorized travel to land and maritime border areas. The government allegedly ordered the planting of landmines in some sections along the Chinese border. Officials have also reportedly issued shoot-on-sight orders for people attempting to enter the country; North Korean soldiers shot and killed a South Korean official who crossed the maritime frontier in the Yellow Sea in September. The government is reportedly allowing some shipments via the Sinuiju-Dandong border crossing with China, but trade could start or stop without warning. Some maritime cargo transport from China has also occurred, though the frequency of shipments remains unclear. Authorities are quarantining imports for 10 days after arrival.
Several foreign embassies remain closed after North Korean officials allowed diplomats to leave the country following mandatory quarantines.
Travel Restrictions
A ban on most foreign nationals remains in place, though diplomatic travel is allowed. Officials are conducting increased health screenings and have imposed quarantine periods on permitted foreign nationals of up to 30 days.
Context
North Korean state media has yet to confirm any COVID-19 activity in the country, and WHO representatives continue to report that there have been no positive test results. Some experts have questioned North Korea's claims due to China's initial delay in reporting COVID-19 activity and the frequency of cross-border travel. North Korean authorities imposed strict inbound travel restrictions and quarantine measures during an Ebola outbreak in parts of West Africa in 2014 and during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in East Asia.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Defer nonessential travel to North Korea due to quarantine measures; delay travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. Make allowances for likely shipping delays and supply chain disruptions. Contact travel providers for reservation status if scheduled to visit North Korea in the coming months.
