Gyeonggi-do, 'Omicron Spread'... US Forces Korea 'Strengthen Quarantine Cooperation'

Strengthening Quarantine Management Within the Unit and Encouraging the 3rd Vaccine Dose... Implementing Independent Response Measures

USFK COVID-19 Response Working Group Video Conference [Gyeonggi-do]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] As COVID-19 Omicron variant infection cases have been increasing among US Forces Korea soldiers, civilian employees, and their families, Gyeonggi Province has strengthened its quarantine system in cooperation with city and county governments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and US Forces Korea.

On the 19th, the province held a 'US Forces Korea COVID-19 Response Working Group Video Conference' at the provincial government video conference room, chaired by Lee Han-gyu, the 2nd Deputy Governor for Administration. Participants included officials from Gyeonggi Province, Pyeongtaek City, Dongducheon City, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and US Forces Korea to discuss COVID-19 countermeasures.

The meeting focused on ▲the current status of COVID-19 cases among US Forces Korea ▲the US military’s own COVID-19 response plans and implementation strategies ▲and mutual cooperation measures for effective local COVID-19 prevention.

In particular, the meeting emphasized listening to the difficulties and cooperation requests from basic local governments within the province related to the US military and establishing a detailed quarantine cooperation network.

Deputy Governor Lee urged the US Forces Korea side to strengthen quarantine management within units in response to the spread of Omicron, encourage the third dose of vaccination, and cooperate in providing specific, prompt, and transparent information such as the number of confirmed cases.

He also requested that cities and counties where US Forces Korea are stationed or related facilities are located, such as Pyeongtaek and Dongducheon, establish their own quarantine measures for multi-use facilities frequented by foreigners and conduct joint quarantine inspections.

In this regard, Pyeongtaek City issued an administrative order on the 17th requiring PCR diagnostic tests for workers within US military bases.

Meanwhile, US Forces Korea is also taking emergency measures, such as raising the 'Health Protection Condition (HPCON)' to 'Bravo Plus.'

In response to the rapid increase in confirmed cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant, they are implementing their own countermeasures including ▲a complete ban on the use of face-to-face facilities such as off-base restaurants, gyms, and clubs ▲remote work for all except essential personnel ▲and restrictions on movement outside the base.

Lee Han-gyu, the 2nd Deputy Governor for Administration of Gyeonggi Province, said, "When changing the health protection condition, we will communicate in advance with the local community and national agencies, and above all, we ask for continued attention to US Forces Korea families and foreign workers." He added, "We will ensure thorough COVID-19 response for US Forces Korea through continuous communication and quarantine cooperation."

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