50s US Soldier Entering Through Pyeongtaek US Military Base Tests Positive for COVID-19 (Update)

US Forces Korea conducting a fever screening. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] It has been confirmed that a U.S. soldier who entered the country through a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

On the 8th, Pyeongtaek City announced that a soldier in his 50s, identified as A, stationed at Camp Humphreys (K-6) tested positive for COVID-19.

Mr. A entered the country from the United States the previous day through Osan Air Base (K-55) in Pyeongtaek, was tested at All Good Hospital within the K-6 unit, and received a positive diagnosis on the same day.

Currently, Mr. A is receiving treatment at the hospital within the unit. He was tested immediately after arrival and remained on base, so it is understood that he has no movement history within the Pyeongtaek area.

A Pyeongtaek City official stated, "Since Mr. A is a U.S. military personnel and was tested at a U.S. military hospital rather than a local screening clinic, this case does not warrant a management number from the local government. However, the military hospital requested testing from a domestic laboratory, and the results were reported to the local government." He added, "After consultation with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, it was decided to classify this case as an infection within the Pyeongtaek area."

The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Pyeongtaek area increased by one to 45 as of this day, marking the first increase in 11 days.

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