North Korea forgoes typical saber-rattling in midnight military parade

• North Korea revealed a new submarine-launched ballistic missile during a military parade in January and what appeared to be a new ICBM during another parade last October, though it was unclear if the weapons were functional or built for show.

The big picture: Thursday's parade largely featured civil vehicles — like firetrucks and tractors — marching bands and military reservists, including some in bright orange hazmat suits and gas masks, according to the BBC.

• Rodong Sinmun, the central government's official newspaper, described the hazmat-suited soldiers as members of an "emergency disease prevention unit" who are "protecting the security of the country and its people from the worldwide pandemic."

North Korea has repeatedly claimed that it has not been significantly affected by the virus but has implemented draconian restrictions to prevent its spread.

• The country is, however, experiencing economic woes from international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program and ICBM tests.

Go deeper: UN watchdog: North Korea has restarted key nuclear reactor