By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
North Korea has asked South Koreans to wear masks when they enter the joint Gaeseong Industrial Complex to prevent the spread of influenza A (H1N1), a unification ministry official said Tuesday.
The isolated state reportedly confirmed three Gaeseong citizens had been infected.
"As North Korea requested, South Koreans have been visiting the complex wearing masks since Jan. 16," the official said, asking to remain anonymous.
The North has required South Korean visitors to wear masks since two to three resident employees at the Gaeseong complex returned to the South after they were infected with the H1N1 virus this month, sources involved in the industrial zone said.
Meanwhile, Radio Free Asia reported that three people in Gaeseong were confirmed to have the virus.
Late last month, the government provided 500,000 doses of anti-viral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, after the reclusive state confirmed 11 flu cases.
Pyongyang reported last Tuesday that it had distributed 300,000 doses of Tamiflu and 80,000 doses of Relenza in the capital and other cities, and is currently piling up the remaining supply to treat patients who have been diagnosed with the virus.