County Avoids Large-Scale COVID-19 Outbreak in Itaewon

On the 10th, when Seoul City issued a 'gathering ban order' for all entertainment facilities in Seoul following the Itaewon club COVID-19 cluster infection incident, a gathering ban notice was posted at the Itaewon club in Seoul, which was known to have been visited by confirmed cases. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] Most of the military personnel who voluntarily reported after visiting the Itaewon area tested negative for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Since most of the voluntary reporters were trainees who enlisted in military training centers after visiting the Itaewon area, there were concerns about a large-scale infection outbreak, but it is evaluated that a critical moment has been overcome.

On the 12th, a military official said, "As of the day before, 32 trainees and 20 active-duty military personnel voluntarily reported that they had visited the Itaewon area," adding, "All trainees and 16 active-duty military personnel tested negative for COVID-19, and the final results for 4 active-duty military personnel are expected to be released today."

The Ministry of National Defense issued guidelines for military personnel who used entertainment facilities near Itaewon from the 26th of last month to the 6th of this month to voluntarily report by the 10th. Forty-nine trainees and active-duty military personnel voluntarily reported by the 10th. However, three more voluntarily reported on the 11th. The military will not take disciplinary action against personnel who voluntarily reported by the 10th but plans to consider disciplinary measures for those who reported afterward.

The military also plans to strictly discipline Sergeant A and Captain B, who violated the Ministry of National Defense's guidelines restricting movement after work and visited clubs. Specific disciplinary actions will be taken after the completion of COVID-19 treatment. Five military personnel were infected due to Sergeant A, and one military personnel was infected due to Captain B. Those classified as close contacts who had meals with Sergeant A were quarantined on the 8th of this month at the Army Cadet Military School in Goesan, Chungbuk. Seventy-one unit members who overlapped with Sergeant A's movements are quarantined at the Army Cadet Military School.

The military imposed leave restrictions on the Cyber Command unit, to which Sergeant A belongs, and the Army direct command unit in Yongin, Gyeonggi, to which Captain B belongs. The Ministry of National Defense plans to control leave for about two weeks for units where confirmed cases have occurred, monitor the situation, and then decide whether to extend the control period for the respective units.

In line with the government's transition to "distancing in daily life," the Ministry of National Defense resumed normal leave for military personnel starting from the 8th. However, overnight stays and visits will be implemented gradually in consideration of the occurrence of COVID-19 cases within the military and trends of community infection. The previously restricted outings for officers were also resumed normally. After it was revealed that some officers violated guidelines prohibiting visits to crowded facilities after work, there are calls to reinstate restrictions on officers' outings after work.

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