Daegu COVID-19 Spread... South Korea-US Military Authorities on Alert

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The South Korean and U.S. military authorities have raised an alert due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the Daegu area.

On the 20th, the U.S. Forces Korea raised the COVID-19 risk level for U.S. military personnel and facilities on the Korean Peninsula from 'low' to 'moderate.' This is the first time the U.S. Forces Korea has raised the risk level since the outbreak of COVID-19.

The U.S. Forces Korea strengthened the alert level because Camp Henry, the U.S. military base in Daegu, is located about 2 km from the Shincheonji Church, where confirmed cases have occurred. General Robert Abrams, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, stated in a commander's letter dated the 19th, "All personnel who have visited the Shincheonji Church since February 9 must undergo mandatory self-quarantine," adding, "Family members, civilian employees, and contract workers are also strongly advised to self-quarantine." This is subject to the Korean Disease Control Headquarters completing the 'contact tracing procedures.'

In particular, U.S. military personnel have decided to reduce travel to Daegu and movement to external facilities except for essential duties. From the 20th, access to the unit at Camp Henry in Daegu and activities at the U.S. military base's schools, child development centers, and childcare facilities will be temporarily suspended.

The South Korean military has also significantly strengthened its alert. Leaves for soldiers residing in Daegu and Yeongcheon areas and those working in units in these areas have been postponed. Additionally, outings, overnight stays, and visits for soldiers working in these units are being restricted. Officers who must commute outside the unit are instructed to refrain from using crowded facilities. However, pre-discharge leave and petition leave for family events or condolences will proceed as usual.

Along with this, the Ministry of National Defense announced that family attendance will be prohibited at the entrance ceremonies of the Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy (20th), Korea Military Academy (21st), and Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon (21st). The Ministry had initially banned family and friends from attending these ceremonies but had later allowed it. Accordingly, families attended the entrance ceremonies held on the 14th and 17th for the Naval and Air Force Academies.

The Ministry of National Defense is also considering scaling down events such as graduation and commissioning ceremonies scheduled for March at the Korea Military Academy, Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon, and the Korea Military Student Military School. Currently, postponing or canceling these ceremonies is not being considered. The scheduled dates are ROTC (2nd), Naval Academy (4th), Korea Military Academy (5th), Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon (6th), and Naval Academy (11th).

A Ministry of National Defense official said, "The military plans to continue implementing proactive preventive measures alongside government actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.