12 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed Among USFK Personnel

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] As additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continue to occur within the military, 12 recently arrived U.S. Forces Korea soldiers and civilian employees have also tested positive for COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Forces Korea Command on the 16th, the confirmed cases entered through Osan Air Base or Incheon International Airport between the 29th of last month and the 12th of this month. Among them, 8 tested positive in the initial diagnostic test conducted immediately upon arrival in Korea, while the remaining 4 tested positive in the second test during the mandatory two-week quarantine. All confirmed cases have been transferred to isolation treatment facilities at Camp Humphreys (Pyeongtaek U.S. military base) and Osan Air Base, where they are receiving treatment. The cumulative number of confirmed cases related to U.S. Forces Korea has now risen to 337.

On the same day, the Ministry of National Defense decided to apply 'Social Distancing' Level 1.5 to military units in the metropolitan area and Gangwon region due to the increase in additional COVID-19 cases within the military. From the 17th to the 29th, soldiers in units located in the metropolitan area and Gangwon region may take leave or go out under the condition of complying with quarantine rules as before, but leave for soldiers in areas where cluster infections have occurred is recommended to be postponed at the discretion of on-site commanders. In particular, for officers in the Gangwon region, Social Distancing Level 2 will be applied during the same period, with the principle of staying in dormitories after work and refraining from dinners or private gatherings. Going out is allowed if necessary.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the military increased by one more in a unit responsible for managing the military mart (PX) in the Inje area of Gangwon Province. As of this day, the cumulative number of confirmed cases within the military stands at 197, with 36 currently receiving treatment.

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