COVID-19 Confirmed at Army Recruit Training Center

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads again, confirmed cases among recruits enlisted in the Army recruit training centers are also increasing.

According to military officials on the 20th, two recruits who enlisted on the 18th of this month at the 6th Division recruit training center in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, and the 51st Division recruit training center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, tested positive. Both confirmed cases were identified through pooling tests and individual tests conducted on all enlisted recruits. Pooling tests involve mixing specimens from multiple individuals for testing, and the military authorities group recruits into teams of five for testing all members.

The two confirmed cases will receive treatment at civilian hospitals. The military allows recruits to return home within one week of entering the training center or recruit training center if there are special reasons, before the full-scale training begins in the second week. About 300 recruits enlisted together with the confirmed cases at the 6th Division recruit training center, and about 270 at the 51st Division recruit training center. Except for the two confirmed cases, all other recruits tested negative for COVID-19 in the comprehensive testing.

The military has classified about 150 and 30 individuals as close contacts in the 6th and 51st Divisions, respectively, and they are currently in quarantine. Additionally, one recruit who enlisted on the 10th of this month at the Army Training Center in Nonsan, Chungnam Province, also tested positive for COVID-19 and was sent home.

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