Cheonghae Unit COVID-19 Inspection Results... "No Individual Disciplinary Actions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] It has been concluded that no disciplinary action will be taken against individuals in relation to the COVID-19 cluster infection incident that occurred in July on the Cheonghae Unit 34th deployment (Munmu the Great-class ship). However, a collective warning was issued to the related organizations and departments.

On the 9th, the Ministry of National Defense announced through the audit results that warnings would be issued to the Ministry of National Defense Policy Office’s International Peace Cooperation Division, the Personnel Welfare Office’s Health Policy Division, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Military Support Headquarters Overseas Dispatch Division, the Navy Headquarters Medical Office, the Navy Operations Command Medical Office, and the Cheonghae Unit 34th deployment.

No disciplinary action will be taken against individual personnel. It was judged that the COVID-19 cluster infection in the Cheonghae Unit was not caused by the fault of any specific individual but that each related organization (department) bore some responsibility. In particular, it was determined that there was no misconduct by Cheonghae Unit crew members at port calls.

The Ministry of National Defense explained, "It was confirmed that at some ports, fences or barriers approximately 100m×30m in size were erected near the ship, allowing disembarkation for walking and exercise separated from outsiders," but added, "This is considered a measure to relieve the fatigue of soldiers," indicating that it was not a violation of guidelines.

Additionally, the Ministry stated that the audit confirmed a lack of further discussion regarding local vaccinations, but "At that time, Oman also had a shortage of vaccines, and according to quarantine regulations, the import of Korean vaccines was restricted."

Regarding the transportation of domestic vaccines for local vaccination consideration, the Ministry reiterated its previous position that there were various restrictions, including concerns about vaccine transport and handling side effects.

Furthermore, it added, "To prevent recurrence of similar cases in the future, it was judged that the establishment of ‘stricter quarantine measures’ is urgently needed, and the relevant organizations were requested to prepare additional measures."

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