Jung Eun-kyung: "No Discussion with Ministry of National Defense on Overseas Transfer of Cheonghae Unit Vaccines"

Claim of Opposition to Overseas Export Denied as "Never Discussed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] Regarding the collective infection among the crew of the 34th Cheonghae Unit’s Munmu Daewang ship deployed in African waters, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) dismissed claims that "the Joint Chiefs of Staff tried to send vaccines to overseas deployed units, but the KDCA opposed it, stating that export abroad was not allowed."

On the 19th, during a regular COVID-19 briefing, KDCA Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyung stated, "The Joint Chiefs of Staff’s claim that the KDCA said export abroad was not allowed when trying to send vaccines to overseas deployed units requires fact-checking," adding, "There was no detailed discussion regarding export abroad."

Commissioner Jeong explained, "However, since vaccines must be sent by airplane, and there were difficulties related to vaccine distribution and other issues, it is believed that the vaccines could not be supplied."

In response to criticism that "since the warship is considered Korean territory under international law, a local vaccination plan should have been prepared in advance," Commissioner Jeong said, "Regarding international law, since this concerns vaccination of our military personnel, it might not be problematic to send vaccines after consulting with pharmaceutical companies," adding, "However, this matter requires comprehensive consideration and decision-making, including the safety of transportation by airplane and vaccination on the ship."

Regarding reports that the Cheonghae Unit brought rapid antibody test kits instead of rapid antigen test kits, Commissioner Jeong said, "There are no antibody kits approved for self-testing," and added, "We will accurately ascertain what test kits were possessed and how testing was conducted after the Cheonghae Unit returns."

On treatment after the crew’s return, Commissioner Jeong stated, "Isolation and treatment will proceed depending on confirmation of infection," and "Specific implementation plans are being prepared by the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and related agencies."

He mentioned, "To prevent similar cases, it would be appropriate to complete the second dose of vaccination before boarding and conduct a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in advance to confirm infection status before boarding and performing duties."

He continued, "Since the ship is a closed, very confined space with close living quarters, measures to minimize infection risk before boarding are the most necessary preventive steps," and added, "We will coordinate with the Ministry of National Defense to prepare supplementary measures."

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