Cheonghae Unit Reports 1 New COVID-19 Case, Total 7 Cases... 5 Additional Hospitalizations (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] One patient who was first admitted to a local hospital with pneumonia symptoms three days ago on the Cheonghae Unit 34th deployment Munmu Daewang ship (4,400-ton class), where multiple COVID-19 cases have occurred, has tested positive.

As the results of the full-scale test requested by the military authorities to the local health authorities are delayed, concerns about a large-scale group infection are emerging as the number of people hospitalized due to "symptom complaints" before confirmation of infection gradually increases.

According to the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as of 6 a.m. on the 17th, one additional confirmed case was reported in the Cheonghae Unit, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to seven since the first confirmed case on the 15th (based on the reporting date).

The additional confirmed case is a crew member who was admitted to a local hospital on the 14th (Korean time) complaining of pneumonia symptoms. The results of the full-scale test for 300 crew members of the Cheonghae Unit have not yet been released.

Earlier, the military authorities requested PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests for all 300 crew members through the local health authorities of the African country adjacent to the waters where the Munmu Daewang ship is docked around midnight on the 16th.

Although 30 hours have passed since the test request, the results are reportedly delayed due to local conditions. The military is negotiating with the local health authorities through diplomatic channels, but since the weekend is included, there is a possibility that the results will be further delayed.

Although the full-scale test results have not been released, the number of crew members showing symptoms similar to COVID-19 is increasing. The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that around 1 a.m. on the same day, five crew members showing suspected pneumonia symptoms were transferred from a local hospital and are currently hospitalized and receiving treatment.

As a result, the total number of hospitalized patients has reached 12 (including 2 confirmed cases). Among the 12, two patients are reported to be under intensive care due to relatively severe symptoms compared to other hospitalized patients. Except for the 12 hospitalized patients, the remaining crew members are all waiting for test results inside the ship.

With more than 80 symptomatic individuals already on board, all crew members unvaccinated, and the nature of working in a confined ship environment, concerns are rising that a mass infection is becoming a reality.

The confirmed cases were identified 13 days after the first cold symptoms were detected on the 2nd.

Meanwhile, the military authorities are currently negotiating through the local diplomatic mission of the African country adjacent to the waters where the Munmu Daewang ship is docked to allow two KC-330 multipurpose aerial refueling transport aircraft of the Air Force to depart for the site on the afternoon of the 18th, including airspace passage.

An emergency evacuation plan involving aircraft equipped with specialized medical equipment, such as air ambulances, is also being prepared additionally.

The military also plans to dispatch a team consisting of a colonel-level officer who has completed vaccination and essential personnel for ship operation to the site when the transport aircraft departs, to navigate the Munmu Daewang ship back to Korea.

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