Commander of Intelligence Special Forces Unit Also Tests Positive for COVID-19

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] An emergency alert has been issued within the military as a special forces commander belonging to the Republic of Korea Army Intelligence Command tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Although the commander was confirmed to have COVID-19, he continued to report to the unit normally, raising the possibility of COVID-19 spreading within the unit.

On the 29th, a government official stated, "The commander had a mild fever and cough starting from the 26th but did not get tested until the weekend passed. On the 28th, the test result came back positive." The official added, "Since he reported to the unit on the day of the test, the possibility of further transmission cannot be ruled out."

Currently, the unit is investigating about 380 close contacts, including brigade members, and it is known that around 270 have tested negative. In particular, the commander is reportedly attending the Seoul National University Advanced Security Strategy Course, and about 30 attendees of this advanced course will also be tested.

The Ministry of National Defense announced that two additional COVID-19 cases were confirmed on the same day. As of 10 a.m. that day, the cumulative number of confirmed cases within the military rose to 1,021. Among them, 18 are receiving treatment, and the rest have recovered. Meanwhile, during the second dose vaccination of Pfizer vaccines for soldiers under 30, which began the previous day, 32,050 people have completed their vaccination. This accounts for 8.1% of the approximately 395,000 soldiers under 30 who received the first dose within the military.

The Ministry of National Defense plans to complete the second dose of Pfizer vaccines for soldiers under 30 by the 16th of next month, and starting next month, will also proceed with the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccines for soldiers aged 30 and above.

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