North Korea imposes lockdown over 'respiratory illness'

ANKARA (AA) – The North Korean government has ordered a fresh lockdown following an increase in "respiratory illness" cases in the country, a Seoul-based media outlet reported on Wednesday.

The lockdown was initially imposed for five days beginning Wednesday in the capital Pyongyang, NK News said, citing a notice issued by local authorities.

The "respiratory illness" known as the "common cold" was spreading in the capital, but the local authorities did not mention COVID-19 in their announcement.

There is also no word on whether the authorities will extend the lockdown to other cities.

North Korea imposed restrictions in April last year after reporting its first COVID-19 case, but after four months Pyongyang declared victory over the pandemic and lifted all restrictions across the country.

Meanwhile, North Korea has announced the display of an outdoor practice for thousands of soldiers and civilians in cold weather ahead of a major military parade scheduled for Feb. 8, according to the media outlet.

It is unclear, however, how the latest lockdown will affect this training or the parade schedule.

On Tuesday, the temperature in Pyongyang dropped to -19 degrees Celsius (-2 degrees Fahrenheit) due to cold weather and snowfall in many areas of North Korea and South Korea.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid