Pyongyang orders residents indoors due to dust storm, not COVID outbreak

COVID-19

Pyongyang orders residents indoors due to dust storm, not COVID outbreak

Directive appears tied to concerns dust can carry virus, counter to South Korean media report on lockdown due to fevers

Chad O'Carroll May 5, 2022

Pyongyang orders residents indoors due to dust storm, not COVID outbreak

North Korean state television issues a sandstorm warning during an evening weather report on April 12, 2022 | Image: KCTV

Concerns about a dust storm passing through Pyongyang led North Korean authorities to order residents to stay indoors on Wednesday, not fears about an outbreak of COVID-19, NK News has learned.

South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo reported that North Korea ordered a lockdown across the country after a number of patients developed fevers, with citizens told on May 4 not to leave their houses.

About the Author

Chad O'Carroll

Chad O'Carroll is the founder of NK News/NK Pro and related holding company Korea Risk Group. In addition to being the group's CEO, O'Carroll is a frequent writer and commentator about the Koreas, having written about the two nations since 2010. He has visited the DPRK multiple times, worked and lived in Washington, D.C. with a focus on peninsula issues, and lived in the ROK since 2016.

View more articles by Chad O'Carroll EMAIL Twitter Got a news tip?Let us know!