"Judgment Appears Symptom-Centered... More Confirmed Cases Expected"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The quarantine authorities stated that the exact situation regarding North Korea's COVID-19 diagnosis and response capabilities is not well understood, and they assessed that the situation could be more severe than reported. They explained that the progress of dialogue centered on the Ministry of Unification is important for specific details of aid to North Korea.
On the 16th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said, "We can only understand North Korea's COVID-19 situation through the information announced by North Korea and through international organizations, so it is difficult to comprehensively review what exactly is needed and what capabilities they have to maintain."
Son added, "North Korea reported 390,000 people with fever symptoms in one day yesterday, but since they lack diagnostic tools such as PCR tests, it appears they are judging based only on symptoms. Omicron has about half of cases asymptomatic, so it can be interpreted that there are actually more confirmed cases."
According to the Korean Central News Agency, as of the 15th, North Korea reported 390,000 new fever cases and 8 deaths, with a cumulative death toll of 50 since the end of last month.
Son further stated, "Managing confirmed cases based on symptoms means asymptomatic cases are not detected, so infection transmission from these individuals cannot be blocked. Moreover, since vaccinations have not been administered, it is expected to be difficult to prevent severe cases and deaths."
The details of aid will be specified after progress in dialogue with North Korea. Son said, "If North Korea agrees to the aid, we will then seriously consider (vaccines, treatments, etc.). There is a surplus of vaccines, so there is no problem in considering support, and in the case of treatments, after clearly prioritizing domestic use, additional support will be considered."
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