North Korea has taken steps to ease its strict COVID-19 pandemic-related isolation, permitting the repatriation of its stranded citizens from abroad, as reported by state media KCNA on August 26, DW reports.
This shift is notable, considering the country's years-long enforcement of stringent border controls during the global health crisis. As outlined in a statement by the State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters and relayed by KCNA, this decision reflects North Korea's adjusted strategy for handling the epidemic, driven by the "relaxed worldwide pandemic situation."
The statement clarified that the returning individuals would undergo proper medical observation within quarantine facilities for a duration of one week. After sealing its borders in early 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, North Korea has begun displaying signs of gradual reopening.
Last month, Chinese and Russian officials attended a military parade in Pyongyang, marking the first presence of foreign dignitaries in the country for years. In a similar vein, a delegation of athletes recently participated in a taekwondo competition in Kazakhstan, and the state-run Air Koryo conducted its inaugural international commercial flight in three years.
China's Foreign Ministry endorsed the resumption of commercial air travel between Beijing and Pyongyang. Over the past year, there has also been a gradual uptick in cargo train and ship traffic, further signaling North Korea's measured relaxation of its isolation.
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