[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense Club] Measures for Soldiers Prohibited from Taking Leave

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] The military authorities have temporarily allowed video calls for soldiers whose leave and other activities have been restricted due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is an extraordinary measure taken by the military as the control of all soldiers' leave, outings, overnight stays, and visits has continued for two months to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to the military authorities on the 13th, video calls for military personnel will be permitted in controlled locations within the unit after weekday duties and during weekends. General-level commanders will set the allowed times and places for each unit so that soldiers can freely make video calls.

For naval personnel on ship duty who cannot use mobile phones, a balanced diet has been composed with about 30 food ingredients including white foods, dietary fiber, and kimchi rich in probiotics to boost immunity. Special menus considering soldiers' preferences are provided, along with desserts such as red ginseng that help enhance immunity.

However, to prevent incidents like the suspension of operations and retreat of the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier due to a mass outbreak of COVID-19 cases, the navy is thoroughly checking the health status of each crew member before ship deployment. To minimize contact with outsiders, officers who lived off-base several days before departure are required to stay on base, and all crew members undergo fever checks twice daily, morning and evening. Meal times are also separated to minimize contact between on-base soldiers and off-base officers.

To completely block the transmission of COVID-19 to ships, the movement of personnel to land is strictly controlled. Ship personnel transfers and business trips are minimized, and when movement is unavoidable, personnel are urged to avoid contact with outsiders as much as possible. Meetings between ships and land, as well as between ships, are conducted via video conferencing, and if face-to-face meetings are unavoidable, only the minimum number of people attend. Off-base officers must stay at home after work under quarantine-level restrictions.

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