USFK Faces COVID-19 Emergency... 22 New Cases Confirmed

by Yang Nakgyu

Published 23 Nov.2020 15:26(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has also been put on alert due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). With 22 additional confirmed cases related to USFK, the cumulative number of confirmed cases has risen to 368.

According to the USFK Command on the 23rd, the additional confirmed cases include 18 soldiers who arrived in Korea between the 5th and 20th of this month, 3 military family members, and 1 contract worker. Among them, 4 tested negative in the first test immediately after arrival but were confirmed positive in the second test conducted during the mandatory 2-week quarantine. The remaining 18 were confirmed positive in the test conducted immediately after arrival.

All additional confirmed cases were transferred to isolation treatment facilities within the USFK bases. The USFK explained that the confirmed cases had no contact whatsoever with local communities or residents within the bases.

Meanwhile, considering the resurgence of COVID-19 in Korea, since the 21st, USFK has restricted movement to and within the USFK Area II, which includes Seoul, Incheon, and Seongnam in the metropolitan area, for 14 days. Additionally, all personnel related to USFK have been prohibited from entering saunas, bathhouses, gyms, and PC bangs (internet cafes) outside of U.S. military bases throughout South Korea for 30 days.