- Sputnik International
Asia
Find top stories and features from Asia and the Pacific region. Keep updated on major political stories and analyses from Asia and the Pacific. All you want to know about China, Japan, North and South Korea, India and Pakistan, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

North Korea Gives Green Light to Foreign Runners

Subscribe
North Korea lifted a ban on foreign runners, allowing them to take part in the upcoming marathon.

North Korean authorities had last month closed its borders to foreigners wishing to take part in the annual Pyongyang marathon, due to fears over the spread of the Ebola-virus, according to a tour agency report on its website Thursday.

"The Pyongyang Marathon is now OPEN to tourists," Koryo Tours said online.

Despite no registered Ebola cases anywhere near North Korea’s territory, a 21-day quarantine period was introduced in the country because of worries over the virus, which has left thousands dead in West Africa.

On February 23, it was reported no foreign athletes would be allowed to travel to the country for the marathon on April 12. The quarantine and travel ban were lifted Tuesday, but with some exceptions for West African runners.

Experts said the nation is very vulnerable to epidemics like Ebola because of their poor infrastructure and levels of nutrition.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала