Vaccination Rate in Military at 94%... Easing of Quarantine Measures Not Yet

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Although the U.S. Department of Defense recently announced a policy mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for military personnel, it has been confirmed that the easing of quarantine guidelines in our military is still under review.

On the morning of the 26th, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Boo Seung-chan explained at a regular briefing, "The vaccination rate within the military has reached 94%, and due to the strengthened quarantine guidelines compared to the civilian sector, fatigue among soldiers has accumulated."

There have been reports that starting next week, a so-called "herd immunity" experiment, including "mask removal," will be conducted only in pilot units, but he stated, "This is not true," adding, "It is a matter to be decided through consultation with health authorities."

Meanwhile, five new COVID-19 cases were confirmed within the military on the same day. The confirmed cases include one Navy officer and one Naval Academy cadet in Jinhae, Gyeongnam, and three Army trainees in Nonsan, Chungnam. This brings the total number of confirmed cases at the Nonsan Army Training Center to 18 since the first case was reported on the 16th.

Both the Navy officer and the cadet were identified as "breakthrough infections," having contracted COVID-19 more than two weeks after completing their vaccinations, increasing the total number of such cases within the military to 49.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in the military stands at 1,597, with 44 currently undergoing treatment.

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