North Korea has reported what it describes as the country's first suspected case of coronavirus.
State news agency KCNA said a person who defected to South Korea three years ago last week returned across the demarcation line had Covid-19 symptoms.
Leader Kim Jong-un held an emergency meeting with top officials, imposing a lockdown in the border city of Kaesong.
North Korea, a secretive state, had earlier said it had no Covid-19 cases - but analysts say this was unlikely.
"An emergency event happened in Kaesong city where a runaway who went to the south three years ago, a person who is suspected to have been infected with the vicious virus returned on 19 July after illegally crossing the demarcation line," KCNA said.
At Saturday's politburo meeting, Mr Kim ordered a "maximum emergency system" to contain the virus.
KCNA added that Mr Kim also launched an investigation into how the person had managed to cross the heavily fortified border, warning those responsible that "a severe punishment" would be administered.
At the same time, South Korea has not reported of any illegal crossings of the demilitarized border in recent days.
North Korea closed its borders and put thousands of people in isolation six months ago, as the virus swept across the globe.
Earlier this month, Mr Kim hailed his country's "shining success" in dealing with Covid-19.
Latest Stories
-
PPDC spearheads Africa’s AI development at DRIF24 forum
3 mins -
Ripoti App launched to empower journalists, others to tackle digital rights violations in Africa
20 mins -
Ground-breaking health investment charter to tackle worker shortages in Africa
25 mins -
From Mortuary to Matrimony: Feature on how couple’s love journey brewed at the morgue airs on Joy Prime
39 mins -
Ghana’s LPG prices rank among the highest globally – LPG Marketers Association
46 mins -
Filth Exhibition: Residents near Korle Gonno bear the brunt of nationwide filth
60 mins -
We’ve not selected NPP members as returning officers – EC replies Mahama
1 hour -
We’ll not honour any invitation – ECG tells Ashanti Regional Minister
2 hours -
Dumsor vigil to hit Accra
2 hours -
Supreme Court rule for dual citizens to hold other key positions laudable – Kwaku Asare
2 hours -
‘No one is above the law’ – CAF president on match-fixing allegations against Samuel Eto’o
2 hours -
Manchester City thrash Brighton to go second in table
2 hours -
NDC’s running-mate speech proves readiness to lead – Asah-Asante
3 hours -
Further win for nibima as another KNUST study supports medicinal prowess
3 hours -
World Bank’s food price index eases; maize, wheat prices hit 3-year low
4 hours