"North Korea to Quarantine All Foreigners Entering from China for One Month"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] North Korea is reportedly mandating a one-month quarantine and medical observation for all foreigners entering the country from China as a measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

The Russian Embassy in Pyongyang announced on the 28th (local time) via its official Facebook account that the Protocol Department of the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent an official letter notifying them of this fact.

According to the embassy, North Korea stated in the official letter that "for the purpose of preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, all foreigners, including staff of foreign embassies officially registered in North Korea and personnel dispatched by international organizations, who enter North Korea directly from China or via Russia, will be quarantined and medically observed for one month in specially designated facilities."

North Korean quarantine facilities are planned as follows: foreigners entering Pyongyang by air will be quarantined at the Jangsu Mountain Hotel in Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province; those entering through Sinuiju customs by train or car will be quarantined at the Amnokgang Hotel in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province; and foreigners entering through other customs or ports will be quarantined at international standard hotels near the respective customs locations.

Meanwhile, North Korea has recently canceled flights between Pyongyang and Beijing, banned Chinese tourists from entering North Korea, and temporarily prohibited foreigners residing in North Korea from traveling to China, making every effort to block the novel coronavirus.