By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
The Ministry of National Defense, Friday, lifted a ban on soldiers' leave-time and leaves of absence, as the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus has slowed in recent weeks.
The decision came a day after the government downgraded its flu alert to "orange," the second-highest level.
The ministry, however, directed field units to continue to conduct medical checks on soldiers suspected to be infected with the virus, ministry officials said.
Military training for reserve soldiers also resumed, they said. Those who failed to train during the suspension period will receive fewer hours of training.
"If the H1N1 virus comes back, each unit concerned will suspend training, but there will be no suspension of the entire military training nationwide," a ministry official said.
About 2,600 soldiers have contracted H1N1, but only 40 are being treated at the moment while the remaining personnel have recovered, he said.
"We've seen a decrease in the number of those infected with the flu virus since three weeks ago," the official said. "Of the 40 soldiers being treated, no one is seriously ill."
South Korea maintains a mandatory conscription system under which all able-bodied men over 19 are required to serve in the military for 24 to 27 months. The nation has some 650,000 troops.