North Korean leader Kim Jong-un replaced several senior officials after a "crucial" coronavirus incident, state media reported, potentially signalling a breach in the country's epidemic defences.
Pyongyang closed its borders in January last year to try to protect itself against the virus that first emerged in neighbouring China.
It has not publicly confirmed any cases of the disease at any point, either in state media or in the test statistics it has disclosed to the World Health Organization.
But analysts said the latest development was a clear indication there had been infections. Officials had neglected their duties and caused a "crucial" incident, "creating a great crisis in ensuring the security of the state and safety of the people