Military Leave Available Starting Today

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]The military personnel's leave, which had been restricted to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), will be allowed starting from the 15th. This comes 80 days after leave restrictions were implemented across all units on November 27 of last year.

The Ministry of National Defense will ease the 'in-military social distancing' from level 2.5 to level 2 for all units from this day until the 28th, in accordance with the government's adjustment of social distancing levels and quarantine guidelines. Accordingly, soldiers' leave will be permitted within 20% of the unit's personnel, within the scope where quarantine management for those on leave, such as in-military PCR testing capacity, is feasible.

The Ministry of National Defense has established quarantine measures such as requiring diagnostic tests upon return from leave, and conducting preventive isolation and observation by separating returning soldiers from others within the base. However, leave may be restricted for soldiers residing in areas where cluster infections have occurred. Going out is generally prohibited but may be allowed only in safe areas at the discretion of on-site commanders, while overnight stays outside the base and visits remain restricted.

Officers are generally required to stay in their quarters after work, but may go out without commander approval if necessary.

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