Covid-19 could spread quickly in North Korea, warns WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that it was following the outbreak of Covid-19 in North Korea with concern. In a press release, the entity reiterated its commitment to support the country in its response to the pandemic.

“WHO is concerned and ready to support the government and people of North Korea to respond to the pandemic and save lives,” said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia.

“As the country has not yet started vaccination against Covid-19, there is a risk that the virus will spread quickly between people unless it is reduced with immediate and appropriate measures,” Singh said.

WHO said it supported the country to develop its national strategic plan for preparedness and response to the disease. The plan was reviewed and approved by a body at the regional level, making the country able to receive vaccines through the international consortium Covax Facility.

According to the statement, the WHO is awaiting information from North Korea about the outbreak. “We are committed to assisting our member country as needed by providing technical support to scale up testing, strengthen case management, implement situation-specific social and public health measures, and provide essential medical supplies and medicines,” said the regional director.

The WHO also highlighted the importance of vaccination against Covid-19 as a measure to prevent the worsening and death of the disease.

“The pandemic is far from over. Each country must implement tailored social and public health measures and protect its population with Covid-19 vaccines, prioritizing vulnerable populations such as healthcare workers, the elderly and those with underlying conditions that put them at risk of serious illness and death from Covid. -19,” Singh said.