The aid package does not contain face masks because supplies here are low. The government did not disclose the name of the aid agency or when and how the goods will be delivered.

A Unification Ministry on Thursday said the government approved the plan because it meets the requirements for humanitarian relief."

The government has approved a civilian aid agency's application to send W100 million worth of hand sanitizer and other medical supplies to North Korea to help it fight the coronavirus epidemic (US$1=W1,228).

Earlier, Gyeonggi Province planned to deliver W1.2 billion worth of relief supplies to the North from the regional government budget but put it on hold for fear of backlash from voters. More agencies are preparing to offer aid to the North, the ministry spokesman added. The government also favors cross-border cooperation in quarantine efforts.

The efforts come even as the repressive North Korean regime spreads false propaganda that coronavirus is spread by South Korea while squandering billions on frantically testing a series of missiles that are clearly aimed at South Korea.

"In lectures, officials from the North's State Security Department are spreading fake news that the South is sending balloons or plastic containers to the North carrying coronavirus-contaminated money and rice," a source said.

The North is trying to shift the blame on South Korea because people are starving and there are some signs of unrest due to prolonged international sanctions and the border lockdown, which has paralyzed supplies from China.

The regime is already tightening price controls on essential foods such as cooking oil, sugar and pork.

