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US 'Deeply Concerned' North Koreans Vulnerable to Coronavirus

William Gallo

   SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - The United States says it is "deeply concerned"
   about North Koreans' vulnerability to a new coronavirus and says it
   backs international groups trying to help Pyongyang prevent a possible
   outbreak.

   "We strongly support and encourage the work of U.S. and international
   aid and health organizations to counter and contain the spread of
   coronavirus in the DPRK," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus
   said late Thursday.

   "The United States is ready and prepared to expeditiously facilitate
   the approval of assistance from these organizations," she added.

   The statement potentially paves the way for aid groups to deliver
   emergency medical supplies to North Korea, though the timeline is still
   uncertain because the groups must first obtain exemptions from the
   United Nations.

   North Korea has not yet reported a case of the virus. But if the
   disease, also known as Covid-19, does reach North Korea, experts warn
   of a humanitarian disaster.

   North Korea lacks proper medical supplies and infrastructure to deal
   with an outbreak. Many of its regions are poverty stricken.

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