Covid instances have prompted a nationwide curfew.

After establishing its first official Covid infections, North Korea has imposed a severe countrywide lockdown.

The capital, Pyongyang, has been hit by an Omicron outbreak, according to state media, but the number of cases is unknown.

North Korea has refused to participate in any vaccine programme, even when other countries have offered to supply it.

Instead, it kept Covid under control by locking its boundaries, despite the fact that specialists believe the virus has been present for a long time.

Outsiders claim the country’s 25 million people are at risk owing to the lack of a Covid-19 immunization programme, despite the country’s rejection of international offers to deliver millions of AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines last year.

Concerns have also been expressed concerning North Korea’s ailing healthcare system.

KCNA reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had pledged to end the epidemic, which it described as a “grave national emergency” that had breached the country’s “quarantine barrier.”

Mr. Kim was shown on camera for the first time wearing a face mask during the discussion explaining the new Covid restrictions. He quickly removed it, although the other officials present did not.

North Korea’s tactic of closing its outside borders – it was one of the first to do so in January 2020 – has also prevented crucial supplies from entering the country, resulting in food shortages and a sagging economy.

Why does North Korea have so little food?

How dangerous is North Korea’s situation?

Mr. Kim had ordered “maximum emergency” virus controls, according to KCNA, which looked to include localized lockdowns and gathering restrictions in workplaces.

According to the North Korean news channel, the first incidence of the Omicron variety was discovered four days ago in the capital.

According to source, residents in several Pyongyang neighborhoods had been under lockdown for at least two days prior to the latest declaration.

North Korea’s tactic of blocking its foreign borders – it was one of the first to do so in January 2020 – has also prevented crucial supplies from entering the country, resulting in food shortages and a sagging economy.

Why is there not enough food in North Korea?

What is the severity of North Korea’s situation?

Mr Kim had ordered “maximum emergency” virus controls, according to KCNA, which looked to include instructions for localized lockdowns and workplace gathering limits.

The first instance of the Omicron variety was apparently discovered four days ago in Pyongyang, according to the North Korean news site.