[Comprehensive] COVID-19 Confirmed in USFK Family... US Forces Raise Risk Level to 'High'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] A family member of the U.S. military residing at the U.S. military base in Daegu has tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is the first time that a person related to the U.S. Forces Korea has been confirmed with COVID-19.

On the 24th, the U.S. Forces Korea Command posted an article titled "COVID-19 Confirmed Case Related to U.S. Forces Korea" on its official website, stating, "The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified us that a family member of the U.S. military living in Daegu tested positive for COVID-19," and "The risk level for personnel and facilities has been raised from 'medium' to 'high.'"

The confirmed COVID-19 patient, a 61-year-old woman, visited Camp Walker in Daegu around February, so the possibility of more confirmed cases cannot be ruled out. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Forces Korea are reportedly conducting an epidemiological investigation.

As COVID-19 cases increase in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, the U.S. Forces Korea is restricting business trips and visits to the Daegu military base. Entry of outsiders to the base is prohibited, and only personnel are allowed access. The school at the Daegu military base has been closed since the 20th of this month.

The U.S. Forces Korea emphasized that all personnel must strictly follow hygiene rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They advised avoiding unnecessary contact with others, and if symptoms appear, not to go to work or school but to receive treatment.