Cheonghae Unit Soldiers to Be Released from Quarantine Starting This Weekend

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] A total of 272 personnel from the 34th Cheonghae Unit, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and are currently in isolation, will be discharged sequentially starting this weekend.

On the 29th, the Ministry of National Defense stated, "Out of 301 Cheonghae Unit members, 272 tested positive. Among them, 261 are scheduled to be discharged and released from isolation on the 31st, as medical staff have determined there is no risk of infection transmission," adding, "The remaining 11 still have symptoms such as cough and sore throat, and a final decision on their discharge on the 31st will be made."

Currently, the 272 confirmed cases are receiving treatment at military and civilian hospitals and residential treatment centers. Nineteen are hospitalized. Excluding these, 29 personnel are currently in single isolation at Jinnam Hall of the Naval Education Command in Jinhae, Gyeongnam Province. They will undergo an additional PCR test before their isolation is lifted on the 2nd of next month, with isolation scheduled to end on the 3rd. They had also tested negative in an interim PCR test conducted on the 26th.

Previously, among the 301 personnel of the 34th Cheonghae Unit who returned early due to a COVID-19 outbreak during overseas deployment, 272 tested positive and 29 tested negative. The Navy plans to grant leave to personnel released from isolation based on individual preference and unit circumstances.