Temporary Suspension of Soldiers' Leave Maintained Until the 27th

On the 8th, when the military leave that had been restricted to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was resumed normally, soldiers heading on leave were making their way to the train at Seoul Station. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]The Ministry of National Defense announced on the 21st that it will maintain 'Social Distancing' Level 2, which temporarily suspends leave for all units, until the 27th.

Moon Hong-sik, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, stated at the regular briefing that "Going out is possible under the judgment of a general-level commander only in safe areas where there have been no confirmed cases within 7 days."

The Ministry of National Defense has been implementing Level 2 social distancing, which was previously applied to the Seoul metropolitan area and Busan, across all units since the 18th of last month due to the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the Ministry of National Defense, no additional confirmed cases were reported on this day, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases in the military to 111. Among them, 107 have recovered. According to health authorities, there are 252 people in military quarantine, and according to the military's own standards, 683 people are under preventive quarantine.