US-ROK Forces, COVID-19 Situation Stabilizes

On the 8th, when the military leave that had been restricted to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was resumed normally, soldiers heading on leave were making their way to the train at Seoul Station. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Signs of easing of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are appearing within the South Korean and U.S. military forces. No additional confirmed cases have occurred in our military for 13 consecutive days, and the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has relaxed health protection levels in most areas of South Korea except for some parts of the Seoul metropolitan area.

According to USFK on the 23rd, as of 4 p.m. on the 24th, the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) level for Yongsan and Seongnam bases within USFK Area II, as well as Areas I, III, and IV, will be lowered from 'Charlie' to 'Bravo.' However, the remaining parts of the Seoul metropolitan area in Area II, such as Incheon and Yongin, will maintain the current Charlie level, excluding Yongsan and Seongnam bases.

HPCON is divided into four levels based on risk: 'Alpha' (A) for peacetime, followed by 'Bravo' (B), 'Charlie' (C), and 'Delta' (D). At the Charlie level, gatherings and movements are strictly controlled, whereas at the Bravo level, unnecessary movement or contact is restricted while maintaining social distancing. With this measure, personnel related to USFK residing in Area II can move to other regions where the Bravo level is applied.

Additionally, no new confirmed cases have been reported in our military since the 11th, marking 13 consecutive days as of today. Furthermore, two individuals?a senior officer from an Army unit in Wonju, Gangwon Province, and a soldier from a unit in Gapyeong?have been declared fully recovered from COVID-19. As a result, out of the total 111 confirmed cases, all but one remaining case have fully recovered.