North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un encourages health workers and scientists struggling with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this undated photo released on August 10, 2022 by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERS

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un encourages health workers and scientists struggling with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this undated photo released on August 10, 2022 by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). North Korea’s state media reported four new fever cases Thursday, saying they were suspected of being infected with the “malignant epidemic” — just two weeks after the country declared victory over Covid-19. KCNA via REUTERS

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un poses for a photo with Korean People’s Army medics during a meeting to recognise their contributions in fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Pyongyang, North Korea, August 18, 2022 in this photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA via REUTERS