NKorea imposes ‘extraordinary’ measures against coronavirus

SEOUL: Loudspeakers blaring hygiene messages, foreign ambassadors locked in their compounds and state media demanding “absolute obedience” to health authorities — North Korea is taking what diplomats call “unprecedented” measures as it seeks to prevent a crippling coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

The authoritarian state, led by the ruling Kim family since its foundation in 1948, maintains extensive control over the lives of its citizens and is pulling out all the stops to try to protect itself from the virus that first emerged in neighboring China, long its key diplomatic ally and trade partner.