North Korea's decision to shut the border with China to avoid the coronavirus will set back its nascent economic recovery, renewing pressure on Kim Jong Un to return to nuclear negotiations with Donald Trump.
A jump in fuel prices, a dip in port activity and the suspension of train and air links show the early impact as reports emerge of the first virus case in North Korea. In recent days, Seoul-based NK News reported a 36 percent jump in diesel prices and diminished activity at the port of Nampho, along with new quarantine procedures.
North Korea announced Thursday that it will extend its quarantine period for all foreign visitors and others suspected of having the new virus to 30 days, based on research suggesting that its incubation period could be as long as 24 days. The Russian Embassy in Pyongyang said earlier this month that North Korea was putting foreign visitors under a 15-day quarantine.