North Korea ramps up mask output in battle for ‘national survival’ against coronavirus
- Factories in Pyongyang are churning out tens of thousands of masks each day but state media does not confirm the presence of virus in North Korea
- With 18 confirmed cases, South Korea pushes for cooperation with neighbour to prevent spread
North Korea has increased production of surgical masks after shutting its borders to all foreign tourists, as the death toll from a coronavirus outbreak rose to nearly 500 on Wednesday.
Factories in Pyongyang were producing tens of thousands of masks every day to meet the growing demand, as part of an effort to prevent an outbreak in the country, according to the official Rodong newspaper.
“As a result of the stepped-up hygiene promotion campaign, all citizens have become more aware [of the danger] and actively participate in efforts to prevent an outbreak of the infectious disease by frequently ventilating their homes, washing their hands and wearing masks,” the newspaper said.
According to data released on Wednesday by China’s National Health Commission (NHC), the number of confirmed cases rose by 3,887 – a daily record high – to 24,324, most of which were in Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak. The latest fatalities took the death toll in China to 492.
North Korea has yet to confirm any cases, but the paper suggested that there may be some suspected infections.
