Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense minister presides over 16th meeting of top commanders of all armed services regarding COVID-19

Participants comprehensively assessed the military quarantine system to contain the spread of COVID-19 and the plan to administer third doses of vaccines to soldiers deployed overseas

On Monday afternoon, January 10, Minister of National Defense Suh Wook presided over the 16th meeting of the top commanders of all armed services via video link at the main building of the ministry.

“The government’s full efforts, including special quarantine measures, third doses of vaccines and expansion of the number of hospital beds, have led to the recent decrease in the number of cases and the strengthening of medical response capabilities. Despite this, the quarantine situation is more stringent than ever before, as the number of Omicron variant cases both in and outside the military is increasing steadily,” Suh assessed.

Significantly, Suh stressed the need to make particular efforts to maintain a military readiness posture, as the incidence of many cases in the military may affect the military readiness posture, considering that the Omicron variant spreads more easily than other variants, though it is less severe than the Delta variant.

The participants also checked on arrangements for the third doses of vaccines for soldiers deployed overseas.