No Restrictions on Soldiers' Leave and Outings

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Military authorities are advancing the administration of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for soldiers amid the spread of the virus.

On the 3rd, Seo Wook, Minister of National Defense, held the 15th COVID-19 All-Forces Key Commanders Video Conference and announced that, in consultation with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the additional vaccination for all soldiers, originally scheduled for the 27th, will begin on the 20th. The Pfizer vaccine will be used.

The plan is to complete vaccinations over about a month at 91 military vaccination centers nationwide for 350,000 to 400,000 active-duty personnel and civilian employees who are five months past their second dose.

Additionally, soldiers who have completed vaccination will be quarantined and managed for 3 to 5 days after returning from leave until a second polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test confirms a 'negative' result. This is a temporary measure considering the recent surge in breakthrough infections. Previously, soldiers only underwent preventive observation and a second PCR test (3 to 5 days after return) without separate quarantine for 10 days after returning from leave.

New recruits will maintain the existing guidelines of two PCR tests (on days 1 and 8) and 10 days of quarantine, but depending on unit conditions, an additional PCR test on days 4 to 5 after enlistment will be actively conducted. This is intended to encourage additional testing if there is a perceived risk of infection.

The current unit management guidelines under the first revision of social distancing within the military will be extended for four weeks until the end of this month, emphasizing refraining from unnecessary outings during leave and minimizing visits to multi-use facilities. However, soldiers' leave and outings will not be restricted for the time being.

Minister Seo emphasized at the meeting, "The situation is severe with the increase of COVID-19 confirmed cases inside and outside the military and the occurrence of the Omicron variant domestically," and stressed, "We will faithfully implement thorough compliance with government quarantine guidelines and personal preventive measures for soldiers on leave, and strengthen tailored quarantine management measures for vulnerable infection factors."