Coronavirus hits ROK armed forces
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the Republic of Korea (ROK) confirmed today via social media that 13 members of its armed forces have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Some 350 people have been quarantined who are believed to have been in contact with those infected. In a tweet, the MND added that there are ‘7,500 preventative quarantine persons in accordance with the strengthened military standards’.
The Korea Herald earlier reported that eight COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the army with one each in the navy, air force and marine corps.
The MND also announced that, as of 24 February, ‘all field and school-based training has been controlled and replaced by garrison training. Units currently in field training have returned to their bases in the shortest possible time’.
There are concerns that COVID-19 could begin to spread in barracks, and the MND is advising military personnel to self-isolate if they begin experiencing symptoms.
More from Defence Notes
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
