North Korea defector shot while trying to escape ‘tests positive for coronavirus in country’s first confirmed case’
A NORTH Korean defector who was shot while trying to escape across the border has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.
The man is now under quarantine at a hospital in China while being treated for at least one gunshot wound and Covid-19.
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A Chinese border guard shot the defector as he tried to cross the Tumen River on April 20, reported, citing a source in China.
When the man was taken to a hospital in Longjing, his Covid-19 test came back positive, a source said.
Secretive North Korea has said there has not been a single virus case on its territory, but the claim is questioned by many outside experts.
Describing its anti-virus efforts as a matter of national existence, officials have banned foreign tourists, shut down nearly all cross-border traffic with China.
It has also intensified screening at entry points and mobilised health workers to monitor residents and isolate those with symptoms.
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It comes amid claims Kim Jong-Un is fighting for his life after having an emergency heart operation.
State media presented a business-as-usual image carrying routine reports of Kim's achievements and publishing his older or undated quotes on issues like the economy.
As usual Kim's name was plastered all over the state newspaper Rodong Sinmun but there was no actual information on his whereabouts fuelling the reports he is gravely ill.
