SEOUL, May 12. /TASS/. North Korean media have published video footage of DPRK leader Kim Jong-Un wearing a medical mask for the first time since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, Yonhap reported Thursday.
On Thursday, North Korea’s KCNA reported that an emergency incident was registered in North Korea - the first coronavirus infection case. In this regard, the Workers' Party of Korea Political Bureau held an emergency meeting, led by Kim Jong-Un. All participants were wearing masks, and the North Korean leader removed it for the duration of his speech. Video of the beginning of the meeting was aired by the Central Television of North Korea.
"It was the first time that the state media showed [Kim Jong-Un] wearing a mask during a public event. This shows how seriously the authorities treat the coronavirus situation," Yonhap report says.
During the meeting, the North Korean leader ordered to lock down all cities and neighborhoods. According to Kim Jong-Un, the authorities must "promptly eliminate" the virus, prevent its spread and organize rapid treatment. The participants of the meeting criticized employees of the anti-epidemic sector for "irresponsibility and incompetence," and stated the need to switch the healthcare to a regime of "maximum possible emergency quarantine."