North Korea reported one additional death and over 260,000 new suspected COVID-19 cases for Wednesday, raising its total number of "fever cases" to nearly 2 million amid its battle with the coronavirus outbreak.
According to information from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters, more than 262,270 people showed symptoms of fever and one death was reported over a 24-hour period until 6 p.m. Wednesday, increasing the total number of fatalities to 63, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
The total number of infections since late April in the country with a population of around 25 million, stood at over 1.97 million, of which more than 1.23 million have recovered and at least 740,160 are being treated, it added.
Last Thursday, the North reported its first COVID-19 case after claiming to be coronavirus-free for over two years and declared the implementation of a "maximum emergency" virus control system.
The country has made all-out efforts to fight the virus, such as mobilizing its military to supply medicine to pharmacies in Pyongyang earlier this week.
During a high-profile Workers' Party meeting held Tuesday, the North's leader Kim Jong-un rebuked officials for failing to respond properly to the COVID-19 outbreak in its early stages, and called for "redoubled efforts" to stabilize people's lives.
South Korea has attempted to formally offer to hold dialogue with its impoverished neighbor, known for its dilapidated medical system, to provide assistance, but the North has yet to respond. (Yonhap)
Subscribe
E-Paper
