N.Korea insists on continued efforts to fight viruses despite self-proclaimed victory over Covid

Seoul 16 August : North Korea on Tuesday warned its citizens not let their guard down in the face of Covid-19 after claiming victory earlier this week in its fight against the deadly disease.

The Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the ruling Workers Party, called on the North Korean people to bear in mind that the inactivity of even one person could lead to a "serious problem" in the country "Under the prudent direction of the party our people have taken out the virus that has been terrorizing the world in a short time of time and have won in the battle against the epidemic, but the possibility of infection isnt completely eliminated, and the nationwide emergency campaign to combat epidemics isnt over at this point," the paper said.After declaring victory over the virus, North Korea has lifted the face mask requirement and relaxed anti-virus restrictions throughout the nation with the exclusion of "frontline regions and borderline cities and counties".

Pyongyang declared its first Covid case on May 12, saying it was unaffected of the disease for more than two years.The country also implemented lockdowns.