Kim Jong-un’s First Public Appearance Since the Coronavirus Outbreak in Neighboring China

In his first reported public appearance in the last three weeks since the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in neighbouring China, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, marked the birth anniversary of his father Kim Jong Il, the former leader of the country recently.

According to the official statement released to media, Kim paid his tribute to his father Kim Jong Il at the Kumsusan Palace, which is located at Sun in Pyongyang. Kumsusan Palace also holds the embalmed bodies of his father and grandfather.

After COVID-19, originated in China and has killed more than 1,800 people in the country, it has alarmed North Korea because of both the country’s share close borders. North Korea also suspended all flights and trains to and from its neighbour and most important ally.

Pyongyang has not yet confirmed any case of Coronavirus effect within its territory but has stopped international tourism and has extended the quarantine period to 30 days for those who are suspected of carrying the virus, including the foreigners.

State media has also released images and photos of mask-wearing officials holding emergency meetings and workers working on disinfecting the public places that include hospitals, schools, railway stations and hair salons.

Kim was last seen 22 days ago when he appeared to attend Lunar New Year Festival, but he disappeared again amid the coronavirus outbreak raising global concern. 

In the past, North Korea had taken similar actions such as banning tourists in its territory for more than 4 months in 2014 to keep out of Ebola virus, even when there is no case of the virus in Asia because it has the poor medical infrastructure and a chronic shortage of medicines.

On Sunday at Mansu hill in Pyongyang, the general public were seen lined up to pay their tribute and respect to the giant bronze statues of Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea.

On the North Korean calendar, the birth and death anniversaries of the two elder Kims are regarded as the major holidays, while 18th February is celebrated as the Day of the Shining Star.

So far the viral outbreak of coronavirus in China has infected more than 73,000 people across the world. China bears the burn most as it has infected more than 72,000 people so far and 1,868 people died in China because of the virus. The virus is first originated in Wuhan province of China in December last year.