(LEAD) Military to bolster coronavirus testing capacity amid omicron fears
(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES with details throughout)
SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's military plans to beef up its COVID-19 testing capacity amid the emergence of the omicron variant as the dominant strain in the country, according to the defense ministry Monday.
Health authorities said omicron took up 50 percent of newly added variant infections last week, sparking concerns over the spread of the more infectious strain in the country.
In response, the military said it plans to enhance its polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing capacity by increasing the number of related workers while expanding ties with private testing facilities.
The military will also shorten the quarantine period for service members returning from their vacations by three days to a week to minimize its burden of handling COVID-19 patients.
The military added it plans to prioritize PCR tests for high-risk members should the omicron infections overwhelm its testing capacity.
"The defense ministry will continue efforts to maintain a robust and unwavering military readiness posture by thoroughly implementing antivirus measures, while ensuring the basic rights of the troops," the ministry said in a statement.
While no new restrictions on vacations or off-base trips are planned for now, the military added it may roll out intensive social distancing measures should the virus affect its mission capabilities.
The military, meanwhile, reported 24 additional COVID-19 cases on Monday, including 22 breakthrough infections, raising the total caseload among its personnel to 3,942.
Of the new cases, 15 are from the Army, four from the Marine Corps, four from units under the direct control of the defense ministry, and one from the Navy.
Currently, 384 military personnel are under treatment. Of the total military caseload, 2,098 are breakthrough cases.
colin@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Overdue debut of Korean abstract art pioneer Yoo Young-kuk at Venice Biennale
-
Relax, immerse yourself in scents at Venice Biennale's Korean Pavilion
-
S. Korea marks 30th anniv. of Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale with contemporary art
-
Ex-Justice Minister Cho slams Yoon's statement on crushing election defeat
-
Artist Lee Bae captures ethereal Korean aesthetics at Venice Biennale
-
Overdue debut of Korean abstract art pioneer Yoo Young-kuk at Venice Biennale
-
Relax, immerse yourself in scents at Venice Biennale's Korean Pavilion
-
Artist Lee Bae captures ethereal Korean aesthetics at Venice Biennale
-
S. Korea marks 30th anniv. of Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale with contemporary art
-
(LEAD) Presidential office denies Moon aides under consideration for PM, chief of staff
-
(LEAD) N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drill
-
Hybe launches audit into NewJeans' label ADOR over alleged independence move
-
(LEAD) N. Korea fires several short-range ballistic missiles toward East Sea: JCS
-
Hybe says spinoff attempt by subsidiary label revealed clearly
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time