Military Personnel, Safe Zone Leave and Outing Under Review

While the military hesitated to introduce mine detectors, in August of this year, another accident occurred where a soldier detecting mines had to have their lower leg amputated.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Military authorities plan to ease leave and outings restrictions for soldiers in designated safe areas.

On the 20th, a military official stated, the government is considering easing some restrictions on soldiers' leave and outings as it implements a more relaxed form of 'social distancing' compared to before.

The Ministry of National Defense is expected to issue adjusted unit guidelines to subordinate units within this week in line with the government's easing of social distancing measures.

First, the control on leave, outings, overnight stays, and visits for all soldiers, which has been in effect since February 22, is likely to be partially relaxed.

The Ministry of National Defense is discussing designating areas with no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past seven days as 'safe areas,' considering the typical incubation period (5?7 days), and allowing soldiers stationed in those areas to go out. After operating pilot units, the plan is to gradually expand the eligible units.

However, even during outings, compliance with social distancing guidelines will be emphasized, and personal hygiene will be stressed when visiting crowded places such as PC rooms.

Those going out will be subject to preventive observation, and symptomatic individuals will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing. Additionally, if their movement overlaps with confirmed cases, they will undergo preventive quarantine for 14 days. Administrative personnel, rather than essential mission personnel such as those on guard duty, are expected to be prioritized for outings. For officers, lifting outing restrictions to allow movement after outings or after work is being discussed.

The government will continue social distancing from today until May 5 but will lower the enforcement level from 'high intensity' to a 'relaxed form' by easing restrictions on some group facilities.

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