![]() North Korea’s zero Covid-19 policy has precipitated secondary health and food crises, with supplies of imported medications drying up, routine immunization programs facing stock-outs, and sick people prohibited from traveling domestically to access hospitals. The lockdown has precipitated the exit of almost all UN technical experts and senior managers, who would be needed at some level to oversee the delivery of vaccines in the event that North Korea accepts any in the future. If a mass outbreak occurs, there will be no short-term solutions. North Korea’s population, with no immunity from infection or vaccination, is exceedingly vulnerable to the virus. ![]() Presumably, the main impetus for the lockdown is the country’s vulnerability, as its fragile healthcare system is not equipped to deal with a Covid-19 outbreak. The country is one of two in the world (in addition to Eritrea) that has not begun a Covid-19 vaccination initiative, despite multiple offers from the global vaccination program COVAX. It claims this has enabled the country to remain Covid-free. North Korea has instituted a “zero Covid-19 policy” involving border lockdowns and quarantine measures since January 2020. The meeting took place under Chatham House Rule on a not-for-attribution basis. The group also examined North Korea’s path going forward, the possibility of an easing of restrictions, and the feasibility of humanitarian aid policies to North Korea. The group discussed what is known about the current situation, the primary and secondary effects of the border lockdown, and the broader impact on North Korean society and markets. North Korea’s Covid Lockdown: Current Status and Road AheadĬSIS hosted a panel of experts for a discussion of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on North Korea.
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