Kim calls for prevention efforts against coronavirus, typhoon: KCNA

The leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un has called for prevention efforts against the novel coronavirus and a typhoon, state news agency KCNA said on Wednesday.

An enlarged politburo meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea took place amid a pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the DPRK's economy, battered by recent border closures and flood damage.

Kim had this month lifted a three-week lockdown in the city of Kaesong after a suspected case of the coronavirus there.

The meeting discussed state emergency measures on preventing crop damage and casualties from Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to hit the country within days, KCNA reported. Heavy rain and flooding have raised concern about food supplies in the country.

The ruling party had said it will hold a congress next year to decide a new five-year plan, after a party meeting noted serious delays in improving the national economy and living standards.

(CGTN)