“North Korea Begins Easing Covid Isolation, Allowing Citizens Abroad to Return”
Point 1: North Korea’s state media reported that the country is taking steps to further open up from strict Covid isolation. Citizens living abroad will be allowed to reenter the country, as announced by the State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters.
Point 2: The decision to allow citizens abroad to return home has been made in reference to the eased worldwide pandemic situation. North Korea has been closed off since early 2020, but recent events, such as foreign dignitaries visiting and the operation of international flights, indicate a move towards reopening.
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Last month, Chinese and Russian officials attended a military parade in Pyongyang, marking the first visit by foreign dignitaries in years. Additionally, a delegation of athletes was given permission to attend a taekwondo competition in Kazakhstan. State-run Air Koryo has also operated its first international commercial flight in three years, with one flight arriving in Beijing on Tuesday and another heading to Pyongyang.
The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed that it had approved the restart of commercial air travel between Pyongyang and Beijing, allowing passengers to travel on routes operated by Air Koryo. This development aligns with the increasing signals that North Korea is moving towards reopening its borders.
These steps taken by North Korea reflect a cautious approach, as citizens returning from abroad will be put under proper medical observation at quarantine wards for a week. However, it signifies a significant shift in the country’s stance towards Covid isolation.
Source: www.wionews.com (1693126631)