A soldier based on the southwestern Jin Island has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the defense ministry said Tuesday.

The enlistee was confirmed to have contracted the virus in a test conducted before his return from holiday, according to the ministry.

The latest case brought the total number of COVID-19 patients among the military members to 509.

Nationwide, South Korea added 715 additional coronavirus cases Tuesday, raising the total caseload to 64,979. (Yonhap)