The US is deeply concerned about North Korea’s vulnerability to the outbreak of a new coronavirus and is ready to support the efforts of the US and international organizations to contain the spread of the disease in the country.

North Korea has not reported cases of a new virus, but state media said that after the onset of symptoms an undetermined number of people were quarantined. Experts say the epidemic in North Korea could be terrible due to a chronic shortage of medicines and poor healthcare infrastructure.

“We strongly support and encourage the work of US and international aid and health organisations to counter and contain the spread of coronavirus in the DPRK,” Reuters reported quoting the spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.

North Korea has barred foreign tourists from entering, has intensified checks at airports, harbors and border areas and mobilized about 30,000 health workers to monitor residents in a fierce campaign to prevent the spread of the virus, which state media called the issue of national existence.

Pyongyang also announced this week it will introduce a monthly quarantine for all foreign visitors and others suspected of having the virus.