North Korea Lifts Covid Restrictions, Allowing Stranded Citizens to Return
In a significant development, North Korea has announced that it will permit its citizens stranded abroad due to the strict Covid-19 measures to return home. This move reflects the country’s gradual shift towards a full reopening after three years of isolation sparked by the pandemic.
Since early 2020, North Korea had sealed its borders to protect itself against the virus, even preventing its own nationals from returning. However, recent signs of a change in border control, such as the resumption of international commercial air travel, indicate a shift in North Korea’s Covid policy.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, the State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters stated that the decision to allow North Korean citizens abroad to return home is in line with the eased worldwide pandemic situation. Upon their return, the citizens will undergo a medical observation period of one week in quarantine wards.
This development suggests that North Korea is poised to gradually ease its quarantine measures and adopt a more flexible Covid policy. Analysts, such as Cheong Seong-chang from the Sejong Institute, predict a large-scale return of North Koreans via both land and air routes.
While these changes indicate a step towards reopening, it is important to note that North Korea is not yet prepared to fully reopen its borders. According to Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, North Koreans have not been vaccinated, and the country lacks Covid vaccines, antiviral treatment drugs, and mass testing capacity.
The recent relaxation in restrictions comes amidst concerns about China’s handling of the pandemic. China’s decision to end its strict Covid policy resulted in a surge of hospitalizations and deaths, which health experts claim were underreported. Considering North Korea’s fragile healthcare system and lack of medical resources, the government remains cautious about fully reopening its borders.
It is evident that North Korea’s move to allow stranded citizens to return does not signify a complete reopening of the border. The one-week quarantine period for returning citizens suggests that tourism to North Korea will not resume anytime soon. While there are signs of progress, the country still faces substantial challenges in managing the pandemic.
In conclusion, North Korea’s decision to ease Covid restrictions and allow stranded citizens to return home marks a significant step towards reopening. However, the country’s cautious approach and limited resources indicate a phased reopening process. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for North Korea to prioritize the health and safety of its citizens while cautiously moving towards restoring international connections.
