She warned that North Korea was considering "a strong retaliatory response".

Also in her speech, Ms Kim spoke of her brother's health, saying: "Even though he was seriously ill with a high fever, he could not lie down for a moment thinking about the people he had to take care of until the end in the face of the anti-epidemic war."

North Korea refers to "fever" rather than coronavirus patients due to a lack of testing equipment.

Mr Kim meanwhile declared a "shining victory" over the virus and praised the "indomitable tenacity" of North Koreans, KCNA reported.

The North Korean leader ordered restrictions to be lifted and hailed the "miracle" of just 74 virus deaths.

North Korea has not reported any new suspected cases since 29 July - but international observers say the country has limited testing.

KCNA claims there have been 4.8 million infections since late April, but only 74 deaths, which is a fatality rate of 0.002% - the lowest in the world.

Many experts find these statistics hard to believe. They say the country has one of the world's worst healthcare systems with few intensive care units and no Covid treatment drugs or vaccines.

The country has not rolled out any vaccination programme during the pandemic, relying instead on lockdowns, homegrown treatments, and what Mr Kim has called the "advantageous Korean-style socialist system".