According to the state news agency KCNA, North Korea has announced 296,180 new suspected corona cases with fever symptoms and 15 other fatalities. However, the country does not report how many people have tested positive for Covid-19.
North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un confirmed the outbreak of the infectious disease on Thursday and declared a state of emergency. According to KCNA, a sub-variant of the highly contagious omicron pathogen was discovered in the capital Pyongyang. Kim ordered a nationwide lockdown and said there appears to be a flaw in the epidemic prevention system already in place, according to KCNA reports. Another report said health authorities were trying to organize testing and treatment systems and stepping up disinfection measures.
The rapid spread of the virus could lead to a crisis in North Korea as the country lacks medical resources and refuses international help with vaccinations. Analysts say the first outbreak of the coronavirus could exacerbate the isolated country’s already difficult food situation this year. According to a recent United Nations report, North Korea and Eritrea are the only two countries in the world that have not administered vaccines, Bloomberg news agency writes. (05/15/2022)
Green expert warns before the end of the mask requirement in transport
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) has received an objection from the green coalition partner for his initiative to end the obligation to wear corona masks on buses, trains and planes. “It would be unreasonable to lift the mask requirement on public transport right now,” said Green health expert Janosch Dahmen. “We need protective masks on trains and buses for a safe summer.” Dahmen also referred to the crowding in many vehicles. “The pandemic may slip some people’s minds, but it hasn’t disappeared from our lives.”
On Monday, two EU authorities relaxed their recommendations for air traffic. The aviation security agency EASA and the EU health authority ECDC withdrew the general recommendation for the mandatory wearing of masks in airports and airplanes. If masks are compulsory in public transport at the departure or destination, this should also continue to apply in the machines.
In view of the new EU recommendations, Wissing had said that one should proceed uniformly throughout Europe and lift the mask requirement, especially in air traffic. He sees the same need for adjustment for buses and trains. The nationwide mask requirement on airplanes and long-distance trains is stipulated in the Infection Protection Act until September 23rd. Masks are also compulsory in local transport by bus and train if the federal states order this.
The chairwoman of the state transport ministers, Bremen’s Senator Maike Schaefer (Greens), criticized Wissing’s initiative as “wrong signals at the wrong time”. She pointed to the approaching start of the planned €9 monthly tickets in June, July and August for buses and trains, which could lead to overcrowding on certain routes. “I think it would be counterproductive to abolish the mask requirement at that point.” (05/13/2022)