[Comprehensive] Additional 179 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Cheonghae Unit

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Among the 301 crew members of the 34th Cheonghae Unit's Munmu the Great-class destroyer (4,400 tons) deployed in African waters, 247 have been confirmed positive for COVID-19.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on the morning of the 19th that 179 out of 200 crew members of the 34th Cheonghae Unit tested positive in PCR tests conducted by local health authorities. Adding the previously confirmed 68 cases, the cumulative number of confirmed cases reached 247, accounting for 82% of the crew.

All 301 crew members of the Munmu the Great-class destroyer had been deployed overseas without vaccination, resulting in an unprecedented mass infection with nearly all exposed to the virus. However, considering the COVID-19 incubation period, additional positive cases among those who tested negative or were inconclusive cannot be ruled out.

One crew member complained of dizziness (mild symptoms) the previous day and was hospitalized at a local hospital, increasing the total number of hospitalized patients to 16. The Joint Chiefs of Staff explained that while there are no severe cases among the hospitalized, one patient with relatively severe symptoms is under intensive care.

To transport all members of the 34th Cheonghae Unit back to Korea, two Air Force multipurpose aerial refueling transport aircraft (KC-330), carrying a special mission team of 200 personnel, departed for the local area the previous day and are expected to arrive sequentially in the afternoon local time. If the aircraft landings and docking at neighboring countries' ports proceed smoothly, the 34th Cheonghae Unit members are expected to arrive at Seongnam Seoul Airport by late afternoon on the 20th, Korean time.

The military has prepared sufficient medical equipment and supplies, including onboard oxygen tanks, to respond to emergencies during transport, and medical staff will accompany the team to repatriate all members of the 34th Cheonghae Unit, including the 15 currently hospitalized at local hospitals. Upon arrival, the crew members will be transferred immediately to quarantine and treatment facilities.

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