Kim Jong-un Directly Orders COVID-19 Measures "Early Proactive Response"

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, has directly instructed measures against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported on the 29th, "An enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held at a critical time when a frontal breakthrough battle is being waged to implement the decisions of the 7th Central Committee's 5th Plenary Meeting, and a period of bold struggle is being opened."

Chairman Kim personally presided over the enlarged meeting and said, "If this uncontrollably spreading infectious disease enters our country, the consequences will be serious," adding, "Given the very rapid transmission speed, uncertain incubation period, and lack of scientific explanation regarding the exact transmission routes, the measures strongly implemented by our Party and government from the beginning were the most firm, reliable, preemptive, and decisive defensive measures."

He continued, "The Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, the Cabinet, and related organizations will urgently strengthen our country's quarantine capabilities based on the experience of the preemptive and strong-level quarantine measures currently taken in relation to the epidemic situation, and actively promote work to supplement quarantine methods, systems, and laws."