14 Aug

North Korea has lifted a three-week lockdown of Kaesong, a city near the South Korean border, saying its coronavirus quarantine has been well managed.

The lockdown was imposed last month after a defector to South Korea who returned to Kaesong was suspected of having the coronavirus.

Friday's edition of the ruling party newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, reported that the decision was made at a politburo meeting on Thursday attended by the country's leader, Kim Jong Un.

Kim reportedly said it has been proved that the city's preventive measures have been steadily maintained.

North Korea has not disclosed whether the defector tested positive for the virus. It says there have been no confirmed cases in the country.

North Korean media also reported that Kim replaced the premier who oversees economic revitalization. Kim also promoted Ri Pyong Chol, who played a central role in the missile program, to presidium member.

Ri has often accompanied Kim when the North Korean leader inspected ballistic missile tests and other events.

nhk