North Korean has urged its people to be on high alert against the possible spread of COVID-19 with the winter season just around the corner.

The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday that medical institutions in the country have beefed up campaigns on check-ups and personal hygiene.

It said measures have also been established to "find and treat all patients with respiratory diseases, including the cold, without exception."

The regime's main radio broadcaster also ran a similar report, saying "not even an inch or a moment of complacency will be allowed" in efforts to stave off the virus.

The reclusive state has claimed to be COVID-free since the start of the pandemic and has so far reported no cases of infection to the World Health Organization.