North Korea: Officials continue to enforce domestic COVID-19-related restrictions as of mid-January /update 14

Event

North Korea continues to enforce domestic restrictions nationwide due to concerns regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic. As of Jan. 16, a State of Emergency (SoE) remains in effect. Protective face coverings are mandatory in public spaces nationwide, and restrictions on nonessential public gatherings continue. Officials have also banned residents from unauthorized travel to border areas and the sea waters. Authorities are limiting nonessential inter-regional and inter-district travel and are requiring temperature checks before trips. Temperature checks are also occurring at shopping centers and other public assembly locations. Residents exhibiting temperatures for more than three days must self-isolate. 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 security along the border with China to prevent the unauthorized movement of goods and people. North Korean officials allegedly ordered personnel to plant landmines in border areas with China. Reports indicate that officials have issued shoot-on-sight measures for people attempting to enter the country. Chinese authorities previously warned of potential shoot-on-sight measures near the North Korean frontier. 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 shipments from China have 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. Travel companies facilitating foreign tourist visits from China to North Korea have indicated that travel may be allowed during the Pyongyang Marathon in April.

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.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)