The Defense Ministry launched operations on Thursday of a support team that will be charged with managing the transportation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, which will enter the nation next month. 

The team was established under the COVID-19 vaccination response team at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA). It’s led by Vice Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Park Joo-kyung and comprises 41 personnel, including soldiers, civil employees, first responders and police officers.  

According to the military, the support team’s main task is to control and oversee on-site whether private distributors, which have clinched deals with the government to transport vaccines, are properly observing government regulations.  

The team will support the transport and escort of vaccines from factories or airports to storage facilities and venues that will provide vaccinations. The team is also tasked with responding to any emergencies.