13 Sep 2022 | 07:06 AM UTC
North Korea: Officials plan nationwide mask mandate amid eased domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Sept. 13 /update 31
North Korea to reinstate mask mandate amid eased COVID-19 restrictions nationwide as of Sept. 13. Tight curbs continue in border regions.
Event
Officials in North Korea are largely maintaining eased domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Sept. 13. Facemasks are currently compulsory in border regions, and advised for all individuals with symptoms of respiratory illness. However, authorities have announced plans to reinstate a nationwide facemask mandate in public from November; local officials are reportedly already enforcing the rule in areas like South Hamgyong and South Pyongan provinces. Additional regions may face similar curbs in the coming days.
Domestic Measures
Officials may continue to limit nonessential inter-regional and inter-district travel. Individuals with a travel certificate who intend to exit their designated city or county of residence may need to present health documents, specify a reason for leaving, and obtain approval from local officials. Temperature checks could occur at transport hubs, shopping centers, and other public locations.
South Korean intelligence and witness accounts suggest that North Korean authorities have periodically locked down counties and cities with suspected COVID-19 activity; measures include stay-at-home orders and exit and entry controls. Significant transport and business disruptions are likely in any areas under tighter restrictions. A daily 18:00-07:00 curfew is reportedly active in regions bordering China.
Authorities have increased border security and banned unauthorized travel to land and maritime border areas. Officials previously ordered security personnel to plant landmines along sections of the Chinese border and shoot people attempting to enter the country on sight. Overland trade between South Korea and China is suspended. Officials are reportedly operating decontamination zones at some border crossings and are testing workers regularly.
International Travel Restrictions
A ban on most foreign nationals remains in place, though inbound diplomatic travel can occur. Officials conduct enhanced health screenings and have imposed quarantine periods on permitted foreign nationals of up to 30 days.
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.
