North Korea calls for stronger anti-virus efforts

Although, North Korea has not reported any infection from the novel coronavirus that is correctly raving the globe, yet its leader Kim Jong Un has called for stronger anti-virus efforts to guard against COVID-19, saying there will be "serious consequences" if the illness spreads to the country.

Meanwhile, the South on Saturday warned of a "critical moment" in its battle against the coronavirus after recording the biggest daily jump in infections, with 813 new cases taking the tally to 3,150 with 17 new deaths.

Kim, during a governing party meeting, called for the country's anti-epidemic headquarters to strengthen screening and tests to seal off all "channels and space through which the infectious disease may find its way", Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency said.

Kim said all fields and units of the country should "unconditionally" obey quarantine instructions laid-out by the anti-epidemic headquarters, according to The Associated Press news agency.