North Korea has warned its citizens to stay indoors over fears that “yellow dust” which blows in from China could bring coronavirus with it.
The streets of the capital Pyongyang were reported to be virtually empty on Thursday following the warning.
The secretive state claims to be coronavirus-free but has been on high alert since January with strict border closures and restrictions on movement.
There is no known link between the seasonal dust clouds and Covid-19.
However, they are not the only country to suggest a link. The BBC’s Disinformation Team notes Turkmenistan also alleged virus-laden dust was the reason citizens were being told to wear masks. They have denied trying to cover up an outbreak.