DPRK may remove Ebola quarantine measures

PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will remove quarantine measures against Ebola as from Tuesday, sources close to the country's Health Ministry told Xinhua.

But the news is yet to be officially confirmed.

On Oct. 24, the DPRK temporarily banned the entry of foreign tourists due to fears for the Ebola virus. Therefore, travel agencies had to cancel scheduled tours to the country.

On Oct. 29, the country's State Emergency Anti-epidemic Committee announced more strict measures against the possible spread of Ebola and required all foreign visitors to be quarantined for 21 days and receive medical observation. Foreigners from Ebola-hit regions were requested to stay at certain hotels for 21 days and resident personnel at diplomatic missions and international institutions were subjected to the quarantine at their residences.

During the past few months when the quarantine was in place, travelers at airports and border crossings were asked to have their body temperatures monitored and fill in a registration form upon arrival. Doctors were sent to hotels that accommodate foreign visitors on a daily basis to take their temperatures.

Recently the annual Pyongyang Marathon in April has reportedly banned foreigners from taking part this year for fears of Ebola.