North Korea Develops PCR Test Tool To Improve Deflecting Capability Of Delta And Lambda Variants

Illustration of a COVID-19 test. (Wikimedia Commons/Delaware National Guard)

JAKARTA - North Korea has developed its own Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) equipment to carry out tests for the coronavirus, state media said on Monday, as the country stepped up efforts to prevent a new, more contagious strain of the virus.

Choosing to isolate the region, North Korea decided to close borders, restrict travel and enforce strict precautions, seeing the pandemic as a matter of national survival, although it has yet to confirm a positive case of COVID-19.

As part of anti-virus efforts, scientists and technicians at the State Academy of Sciences have developed a PCR test system that meets global standards for the first time, said Rodong Sinmun, the ruling Labor Party newspaper, citing Reuters Monday, Aug. 23.

The equipment was introduced as one of the recent achievements made under leader Kim Jong Un's push to localize machinery, equipment, and materials, amid international sanctions and border closures that have sharply reduced trade.

North Korea has been running the PCR test as the internationally recognized standard diagnostic method for COVID-19, but is receiving outside help including from the World Health Organization (WHO).

State news agency KCNA also said on Monday that North Korea is continuing to step up its battle against the virus to ward off the highly contagious Delta and Lambda variants that are spreading across the globe.

"Plans are underway to normalize disinfection and prevent irregular movement of people and supplies in offices and workplaces. Meanwhile, education and controls are being intensified to ensure everyone complies with rules including wearing masks in public spaces," KCNA said.