(cache)Life or death: A glimpse into North Korea shivering with coronavirus fears [PHOTOS]

An ambulance and a woman near a supermarket at the Munsu-dong diplomatic compound amid the outbreak of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus. Yevgeny Agoshkov/TASS

North Korea is yet to confirm any case of infection, but it has intensified preventive efforts against coronavirus. It has tightened its borders with China and increased its quarantine for those coming from the neighboring country.

Last week, North Korea declared the launch of a national emergency system against the new virus, calling such preventive efforts a "political matter" that could determine the fate of the country.

Checkup of drinking water sources

North Korea is preparing to examine drinking water sources, such as rivers and lakes, to make sure the new coronavirus won't flow into the country, state media reported Thursday.

The move is the latest in a series of measures that the North has taken to fight the fast-spreading virus that originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

"Detailed work plans are being drawn up to analyze the water quality of rivers, streams and lakes that are being used as sources of drinking water," the North's Korean Central Broadcasting Station reported.

The state radio said relevant government units are working on measures, including where and how the planned water quality analysis will be conducted.

The move appears aimed at preventing any possibility of the coronavirus spreading into the country through contaminated water from China.

Supermarket assistants in face masks at the Munsu-dong diplomatic compound amid the outbreak of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus. The pneumonia-like coronavirus outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in late December. According to the latest reports, the number of people infected with the new strain of coronavirus has increased to over 24,000, with the death toll rising over 400. Yevgeny Agoshkov/TASS

Mask production

North Korea is beefing up production of facial masks as part of efforts to provide more protection for its citizens and health officials from the new coronavirus fast spreading in China and many other countries, state media reported Wednesday.

In an article titled "Let's completely block the new coronavirus," the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling party, reported that factories in Pyongyang are now producing masks "in earnest."

The paper said tens of thousands of masks are being churned out daily to meet growing demand as citizens are more aware of the danger of the virus and are intensifying their personal hygiene.

"As a result of the stepped-up hygiene promotion campaign, all citizens have become more aware (of the danger) and actively participate in efforts to prevent an outbreak of the infectious disease by frequently ventilating their homes, washing their hands and wearing masks," the paper said.

People watch a TV program about coronavirus in this photo provided by the KCNA on Feb. 4.

Nationwide campaign

In a separate report, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Pyongyang is carrying out a nationwide campaign against the possible spread of the virus.

"All the units, including the central and all provincial, city and county emergency anti-epidemic headquarters established under the unified guidance of a state emergency anti-epidemic system as well as institutions and enterprises, are taking measures to prevent the novel coronavirus infection," the KCNA said in an English-language report.

In the northern regions of Jagang and North Hamgyong bordered by China, in particular, travelers who come from other countries and have had contact with foreigners are thoroughly examined at checkpoints, according to the report.

North Korea has stepped up efforts to block the outbreak of the virus by shutting down all air and rail routes across its border with China and keeping all foreigners arriving in the country via China isolated for up to a month. (Yonhap)