(MENAFN) Masks appear to have made a comeback in North Korea in October, with public health authorities encouraging citizens to wear them to protect themselves from the recurrence of COVID-19.
On Sunday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which is controlled in Seoul, posted images of older individuals wearing masks while attending the previous day's International Day of Older Persons ceremonies.
In its coverage on the 76th foundation anniversary of Kim ll-sung University, Korean Central Television also included images of university students wearing masks.
North Korea has already lifted all mask regulations, both indoors and outside. In September, photos or broadcast video from its state media showed maskless individuals at schools or huge celebrations.
On September 8, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, however, recommended citizens to start wearing masks again in November, since immunity levels may decline along with the drop in temperature at that time of year.
However, roughly two weeks later, the KCNA stated that specialists are advising citizens to use face masks beginning in October.
After claiming to be coronavirus-free for almost two years, the North announced its first COVID-19 case on May 12 and quickly proclaimed a "maximum emergency" virus control system.
On August 11, Kim declared victory over the virus, claiming that Pyongyang's anti-epidemic measures had effectively safeguarded its people.
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