South Korean soldier tests positive for Covid-19 after Cobra Gold training in Thailand

A South Korean soldier tested positive for Covid-19 after returning home from Thailand. The soldier was in Rayong from November 2 to 6 for Cobra Gold, Thailand’s annual military training exercise.

The soldier tested positive during a mandatory screening at a South Korea airport. Thai health officials are investigating the case and are urging residents in Rayong not to panic.

All foreign soldiers involved in the 5-day Cobra Gold training were required to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Thailand and test negative for Covid-19 twice before being released. Health officials speculate the soldier may not have contracted the virus in Thailand. In some cases, the incubation period for Covid-19 is longer than 14 days.

A total of 202 Thai and foreign military authorities participated in Cobra Gold. Foreign participants were from the United States, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, Japan, China and India.

The Public Health Ministry is requiring those who were in close contact with the infected soldier to quarantine for 14 days. Those at the training who did not come in close contact with the soldier are advised to self-quarantine at their homes and look out for any symptoms over the next 2 weeks.