[Comprehensive] First COVID-19 Case Among USFK... Soldier at Camp Carroll, Gyeongbuk

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]One soldier at the U.S. military camp in Chilgok, Gyeongbuk, tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is the first time a U.S. soldier stationed in Korea has been confirmed with COVID-19.

The United States Forces Korea (USFK) announced on the 26th through its official website that "a U.S. soldier at Camp Carroll tested positive for COVID-19."

The soldier is a 23-year-old male currently self-isolating at off-base accommodation. He had been staying at Camp Carroll since the 21st of this month and visited Camp Walker in Daegu on the 24th.

Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USFK health experts are conducting contact tracing of individuals who had contact with the confirmed case. The wife (61-year-old female) of a deceased U.S. soldier living in Daegu who was confirmed positive on the 24th visited the PX (post exchange) at Camp Walker (U.S. military base in Daegu) on the 12th and 15th of this month.

On the 19th of this month, USFK raised the risk level from 'Low' to 'Moderate' in response to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions. On the 25th, the risk level was further elevated to 'High' across the entire Korean Peninsula and remains at that level.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, USFK has strengthened base entry procedures and is minimizing soldiers' off-base activities.

With the risk level raised to high, USFK has implemented restrictions on entry to all units and limited meetings, gatherings, and temporary deployments unless essential for mission execution.

While not imposing a complete ban on leave or outings for all soldiers, USFK has advised refraining from moving between bases within Korea. Additionally, there has been no movement of military families being transferred to the mainland or elsewhere.

USFK urged strict adherence to hygiene protocols as the best method to prevent virus spread and protect U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea. This includes washing hands with soap and hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact such as handshakes, and refraining from going to work or school if experiencing symptoms like fever.