March 29, 2024
COVID-19

Panic-buying reported in Pyongyang amid rumors of new lockdown order

Source in capital also reports more temperature checks at stores, though officials have not announced new virus controls

North Koreans in Pyongyang appear to be panic-buying food in large quantities, an informed source in the city told NK News on Tuesday, amid rumors that officials could order a new multiday lockdown over infectious disease concerns as soon as midnight.

The source reported that Pyongyang citizens are buying large amounts of food at stores, as well as a notable buildup in traffic throughout the day. A similar phenomenon occurred in April 2020, when the DPRK significantly reduced official imports from neighboring China.

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