Over 30 Confirmed Cases at Cheorwon Military Base... Possible Vacation Restrictions in 'Level 2 Areas'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] It was confirmed that more than 30 people at an army unit in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, contracted the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) on this day.

On the 23rd, the Ministry of National Defense and the Army announced that as of 10 a.m., a total of 31 additional cases were confirmed at Unit A under the 5th Artillery Brigade in Cheorwon, including 5 officers and 26 soldiers.

Until the previous day, the 5th Artillery Brigade had reported 6 confirmed cases: 1 at the brigade headquarters and 5 at another subordinate unit, Unit B. The cumulative number of confirmed cases in the 5th Artillery Brigade reached 37, including 1 at headquarters and 36 across the two subordinate units.

The epidemiological link between the two subordinate units has not been confirmed. However, among the confirmed cases related to Unit B, one Wonsa (sergeant major) is a transportation officer managing the drivers of subordinate units, and it is known that the first confirmed driver in Unit A visited the Wonsa’s office.

The military is currently conducting comprehensive testing of the related units, including subordinate units, so the number of confirmed cases may increase. The number of people subject to testing is reported to be around 500 to 600.

On the same day, one additional officer was confirmed positive at another army unit in Cheorwon and one at an army unit in Hwacheon. As a result, the total number of confirmed cases in the military increased by 33 on that day, bringing the cumulative total to 263.

Meanwhile, starting from the 24th, in line with the elevation of social distancing to Level 2 in the metropolitan area and other regions, the Ministry of National Defense has allowed commanders to restrict soldiers’ leave in Level 2 areas at their discretion. Furthermore, outings are generally prohibited but may be permitted only in safe areas under the judgment of on-site commanders.

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