COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea worsens, North Korea quarantine

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews

South Korean health officials have reported more than 200 additional COVID-19 cases since our last report yesterday.

With the 231 cases, the total confirmed has risen to 833. The death toll has also risen to seven.

The outbreak continues to be centered on the southern city of Daegu; however, the geographic spread also continues.

In addition, the Ministry of Defense of South Korea confirmed Monday that an additional four soldiers had been confirmed to have contracted the virus, bringing the total of military personnel to 11. There are fears that the outbreak could spread quickly among troops living in close confines, and potentially spread to US forces stationed in Korea.

Subscribe to Outbreak News TV

In North Korea, state media reported Monday that Pyongyang has quarantined about 380 foreigners (apparently diplomats in Pyongyang) as part of efforts to prevent the new coronavirus from breaking out in the country.

“(We) have quarantined some 380 foreigners so far across the country, while intensifying isolation, medical monitoring and testing measures on those who have returned from overseas travel, those who have contacted them and those showing abnormal symptoms,” according to the Korean Central Broadcasting Station.

No COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in North Korea to date.

New Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Latest Model)