13th COVID-19 Case at USFK Pyeongtaek Base

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The 13th confirmed case of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been reported at Camp Humphreys, a U.S. military base located in Pyeongtaek.

On the 31st, the United States Forces Korea (USFK) announced, "On the 30th, a USFK worker tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently isolated at off-base accommodation."

The confirmed case is an American citizen who was identified to have visited Camp Humphreys on the 27th of this month. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and USFK are conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine whether the confirmed individual had contact with others.

As COVID-19 cases continued to emerge among USFK personnel, the USFK declared a public health emergency on the 25th of this month and is focusing all efforts on responding to COVID-19.

Earlier, the U.S. Department of Defense recently raised the military health protection condition (HPCON) to the second-highest level, 'Charlie.' With the upgrade to 'Charlie,' restrictions on large gatherings and additional social distancing measures were implemented.

USFK issued an even stricter 'Charlie Plus' level specifically for Camp Humphreys (the U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek). Personnel at Camp Humphreys are strictly prohibited from entering religious facilities, laundromats, barbershops, clubs, movie theaters, and similar venues.

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

Commander Robert Abrams emphasized the need to strictly adhere to health protection measures and warned of severe penalties for violations.

In fact, the Eighth Army announced on Facebook that it would disclose the punishments of two soldiers to help personnel understand the consequences of failing to comply with the commander’s directives such as HPCON.

The Eighth Army demoted a USFK sergeant and corporal by one rank each for violating public health guidelines, alcohol prohibition orders, and restrictions on accompanied outings. They were fined $2,746 (approximately 3.35 million KRW) and $394 (approximately 377,000 KRW), respectively, and were subjected to 45 days of base access restrictions and 45 days of additional duty as disciplinary measures.