North Korea marks end of first COVID wave, but risks persist

 North Korea on Friday said all of its fever patients have recovered, marking the end of its first wave of the “coronavirus pandemic”, but challenges linger with Economic hardships deepening and an unvaccinated population exposed to future resurgences, analysts said.

While State media said the "anti-epidemic situation ... has entered a definite phase of stability", rather than boasting of victory, North Korea said it would "redouble efforts to maintain perfection in the execution of state anti-epidemic policies".

The reclusive country has never confirmed how many people caught COVID-19, apparently lacking testing supplies. But it said around 4.77 million fever patients have fully recovered and 74 died since late April. It has reported no new fever cases since July 30.

Instead of claiming a victory or an end to the COVID-19 situation, North Korea said its "anti-epidemic situation ... has entered a definite phase of stability".