(Photo: Yonhap News)
An outbreak of COVID-19 has been reported on a South Korean naval ship.
The defense ministry said Friday that ship's 84 crew members were tested after an officer on board was diagnosed with the coronavirus disease.
At least 31 other sailors have also tested positive.
The ship returned to Pyeongtaek Port on Thursday after being out at sea for two days.
This is the first cluster to be reported from a naval vessel.
In response, the Navy has decided to raise social distancing rules on all ships as well as for other major units, including in Busan, Jinhae, Mokpo, and Donghae, to Level 2.5, effective immediately.
Leave has been suspended for all personnel and officers are banned from holding private social gatherings.
In addition, all Navy sailors on ships will have to undergo coronavirus testing, with vessels blocked from setting sail until results come back negative.