North Korea stops import of COVID-19 containment products from China

North Korea is currently dealing with an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the nation. Trade data that was released revealed that Pyongyang suddenly stopped its import of COVID-19 containment products from China.

Reuters reports that trade data released by Beijing revealed that North Korea abruptly stopped importing COVID-19 containment products from China, following previous data that revealed North Korea purchased face masks and ventilators from Beijing months back.

Chinese customs released the data Monday, revealing that North Korea did not purchase face masks, thermometers, rubber gloves, ventilators, or vaccines in May. This is compared to the imports of over 10.6 million face masks, almost 95,000 thermometers, and 1,000 non-invasive ventilators from January to April.

This comes amidst declining cases of fever in North Korea, according to the report by the state news outlet KCNA since the isolated nation first acknowledged in May that it was tackling a COVID-19 outbreak. However, Pyongyang has yet to reveal how many of those fever cases tested positive for coronavirus.

The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed back in April that it has suspended cross-border freight train services with North Korea after consultations due to the COVID-19 infections in the border city of Dandong.

Aside from tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea is also dealing with an outbreak of an intestinal disease, according to state media over the weekend. Around 800 families in North Korea are reported to be suffering from what Pyongyang has described as an “acute enteric epidemic.” The families are receiving treatment from the South Hwanghae province.

In response to the epidemic, Pyongyang has dispatched medical teams and epidemiological investigators to the province where the intestinal disease was found.

South Korean officials say the disease may be cholera or typhoid.

KCNA reported prevention methods, including quarantines, “intensive screening for all residents,” and special treatment and monitoring of those at risk, such as children and the elderly.

KCNA said a “rapid diagnosis and treatment team” is coordinating with local health officials and that measures are being taken to make sure farming is not disrupted in the area.

The state media outlet also reported that disinfection work is also being carried out in the area, including sewage and other waste, to keep household and drinking water safe.