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.