S. Korea to suspend reserve force training over flu concerns

By Sam Kim

SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense ministry said Wednesday it will suspend training for the reserve force through the end of this month to help curb the spread of Influenza A (H1N1).

South Korea operates one of the largest reserve forces in the region, with all
men subject to related training for several years after they are discharged from
mandatory armed service.
"The reserve force training will be suspended from Thursday through the end of
November," the Ministry of National Defense said in a statement.
"The measure is aimed at minimizing the impact of the new flu," which spreads
more easily in group environments, it said.
The suspension comes after more than 40 South Koreans have died from the H1N1
virus, which prompted the government this week to raise the national epidemic
alert to the highest level.
Winter weather is believed to have caused a spike in H1N1 flu cases, with some
experts warning 60,000-100,000 new cases could be confirmed per week in the near
term.
samkim@yna.co.kr
(END)