North Korea says 'alien things' near the South Korean border are to blame for its 1st COVID-19 outbreak

The first Covid outbreak in North Korea was most likely caused by balloons or the wind, according to the country.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, an 18-year-old soldier and a five-year-old kindergartener became the country's first residents to test positive for COVID-19 after they came into contact with aliens.

Near the border with South Korea is Ipho-ri.

According to the investigation results, several persons coming from the area of Ipho-ri in Kumgang County of Kangwon Province to the capital city in mid-April were in danger of contracting the disease.

The residents have been warned to be on their guard against alien things coming by wind and other climate phenomena and balloons. The outlet stated that any "alien things" should be reported.

For decades, North Korean defectors and South Korean activists have launched balloons with items such as humanitarian aid, entertainment, and informational leaflets across the border into the country. The New York Times reports that in the past, balloons have contained messages against the leader of the country.

The first Covid case in North Korea was reported on May 12th, and the next day there was an "explosive" outbreak offever.

More than four million cases of "fever" were recorded in North Korea, but the majority of patients have recovered. The "fever" outbreak is not referred to as COVID-19 because of poor testing capabilities.