[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] COVID-19 Quarantine Military Personnel Surpass 1,000

On the 7th, as the spread of the novel coronavirus infection continues, a visitor at the National Medical Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, is being guided by medical staff into the screening clinic. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The number of soldiers quarantined to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) has increased from about 800 to about 1,100.

According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 7th, the number of military personnel quarantined on the 3rd was around 800, but it increased by about 300 in five days, reaching about 1,100 as of today.

The Ministry of National Defense explained that this included a Navy civilian employee who was quarantined after contact with the 17th confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, soldiers who rode the same shuttle bus, visitors to hospitals in the Gwangju area, and soldiers returning from leave after visiting areas where confirmed cases occurred.

Currently, among the quarantined soldiers, there are about 400 officers and about 700 enlisted personnel. The military has confirmed that as of this morning, no additional soldiers have shown suspected symptoms of the novel coronavirus.

Previously, the Navy civilian employee who had contact with the 17th confirmed case tested negative. Six office colleagues who had contact with this civilian employee also self-quarantined, but no special symptoms have been detected so far. Additionally, a Private First Class in the Army who had contact with the 12th confirmed domestic case at a resort in Gangneung also tested negative. Seven soldiers who shared the barracks with this Private First Class also tested negative.

Meanwhile, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the military has decided to minimize contact with civilians during winter training. Instead of marching tens of kilometers during the day carrying a full 20kg combat load, the military plans to conduct training at night for the time being.

The military is conducting soldiers' leave as usual. Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo explained at a regular briefing yesterday, "Currently, there are no restrictions on leave," adding, "However, visits, overnight stays, and outings in areas where patients have occurred are restricted."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.