SEOUL: North Korean authorities told citizens in public lectures that there were confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the country as early as the end of March,

Pyongyang has been claiming that it has not had any confirmed cases.

The lecturers, speaking to organizations and neighborhood watch groups, said there were COVID-19 cases within the country, without giving any numbers, Radio Free Asia (RFA) said, citing two sources, one in Pyongyang and one in Ryanggang province.

The lecturers said the confirmed cases were in Pyongyang, South Hwanghae province and North Hamgyong province, RFA reported.

North Hamgyong is in the northeast region of the country, while South Hwanghae is in the southwest.

(With inputs from agencies)