Military Controls Soldier Leave Until Next Month 6th... Temporary Closure of Unit Religious Facilities

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] The military authorities have extended the control of soldiers' leave by one week as the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues.

On the 30th, the Ministry of National Defense announced, "In accordance with government policy, guidelines have been issued to the entire military to extend the application period of 'social distancing' Level 2 until September 6."

Due to social distancing Level 2, all soldiers' leave, overnight stays, outings, and visits are controlled until the 6th of next month.

The Ministry of National Defense had planned to control soldiers' leave for two weeks from the 19th to the 31st of this month. However, considering the COVID-19 situation, the leave control period has been extended by one more week.

All religious facilities within the units have also been temporarily closed. Soldiers can participate in non-face-to-face (online) religious activities, and small gatherings are possible in remote units depending on the circumstances, a military official explained.

The criteria for implementing a flexible work system, which adjusts soldiers' commuting and working hours, have also been relaxed. Previously, only general officers could decide to implement the flexible work system, but now colonel-level commanders can decide whether to implement it.

The annual physical fitness test for military officers will not be conducted this year. For promotion candidates, last year's physical fitness test results will be reflected in personnel evaluations.

Meanwhile, five additional COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the military on the same day. Three soldiers tested positive in COVID-19 diagnostic tests conducted at the Air Force unit in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, where cases were confirmed the previous day. One Army officer in Daegu also tested positive. Additionally, one full-time reservist soldier in Yecheon, Gyeongbuk, was confirmed positive.

As a result, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in the military has increased to 105.

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