Recent media articles reporting United States Forces Korea’s precautionary and preventative measures against the COVID-19 virus as a “lockdown” and “barring” individuals from base are inaccurate and mischaracterizing our efforts to protect the USFK population.

The USFK Commander’s number one priority is protection of the force, and using an abundance of caution to protect the USFK population from COVID-19, USFK raised its risk level to "HIGH.”

Prudent mitigation measures associated with a “HIGH” risk level allow service members to conduct necessary off-post duties such as travel to/from work, grocery and pharmacy shopping, medical appointments, and other necessary purchases.

USFK has implemented enhanced entry control measures such as asking medical screening questions and taking temperatures of those wanting to enter USFK military installations; any with a fever or confirming certain questions are screened by medical professionals to determine if they are allowed onto post.

These prudent control measures should not be misrepresented or misconstrued as anything other than protective measure to protect the USFK population from COVID-19.