N. Korea reports one new death amid COVID-19 outbreak
Korea HeraldDec 24, 2021
The Facts
On Monday the North Korean government reportedly ordered a five-day lockdown of the country's capital, Pyongyang. The lockdown was attributed to an increase in cases of unnamed respiratory illness.
Sources within the North stated that residents are required to remain in their homes with a mandate for temperature assessments from Wednesday to Sunday of this week. The Russian embassy stated that Pyongyang's State of Emergency Anti-Epidemic Command issued the order due to an increase in seasonal flu infections and "other respiratory diseases."
The Spin
Narrative A
Kim Jong Un declared victory against COVID but the international community disputes this. His easing of restrictions to carry on with his economic priorities is reckless and dangerous. Reducing mitigation measures and blaming others will likely catalyze a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions upon citizens who are already suffering.
Narrative B
North Korea locked down before, and its reopening bolstered relations with Russia and China. As the international community moves past COVID, the door opens for a deeper trilateral alliance between the DPRK, Russia, and China that is significant on the world stage. The North is ready for these new geopolitical activities in a post-pandemic world.
