Three draftees and a civilian worker for the military have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections at the barracks to 614, the defense ministry said Thursday.

The civilian works at the Army convention center, located inside the defense ministry compound in Seoul, and last visited her workplace on Sunday, according to the ministry.

"Contact tracing is under way. We are also conducting virus tests for other center members and those suspected of having come into contact with the worker," a ministry official said.

Among the service members, one soldier stationed in Wonju, Gangwon Province, underwent a virus test after his unit earlier reported four patients, and was confirmed to have been infected, according to the ministry.

"We are administering tests for all of the unit members and conducting contact tracing. We will strictly enforce antivirus measures to prevent further spread," a ministry official said.

Another Army draftee stationed in the southwestern county of Damyang and the other soldier in the city of Goyang, north of Seoul, tested positive after going on vacation and coming into contact with civilians who later tested positive, according to the ministry.

Of the total 613 COVID-19 cases among military members, 579 have been fully cured while 34 are still undergoing treatment, it added.

Nationwide, the country reported 465 more COVID-19 cases, including 444 local infections, raising the total caseload to 94,198, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said. (Yonhap)