Based on the continued low numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases within the greater Seoul metropolitan area, and the South Korean government lowering their social distancing to level one, USFK has adjusted its current health protection condition to “Bravo” peninsula-wide effective Monday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m.

While USFK is adjusting its health protection condition peninsula-wide, it is not lowering its guard. Due to continued associated risk, all bars, clubs and establishments that restrict entrance to adults only remain off limits pen-wide to all USFK-affiliated personnel until further notice.

“The continued hard-work and diligence of the ROK government, KDCA and local communities to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus has been remarkable,” said Gen. Robert B. “Abe” Abrams, United States Forces Korea Commander. “The threat of COVID-19 still exists. Our community has been a vital role in preventing the spread of the virus, and we must remain vigilant in maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask when out in the local community.”

The USFK community must remain disciplined, vigilant and adhere to the core health protection tenets, including mandatory mask wear when off-installation, that have enabled it to achieve its current level of success.

As USFK continues to monitor and assess the conditions within the peninsula, it will immediately snap back to a heightened HPCON posture without hesitation if a resurgence of the threat appears within our formations, installations or communities.

“USFK's #1 priority remains the protection of the force,” said Abrams. “We must balance the overall health, safety and protection of the force with mission accomplishment.”

USFK remains at a high level of readiness, and continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea against any threat or adversary while implementing and maintaining prudent preventive control measures to protect the force.

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