Two newly assigned USFK service members tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in South Korea from the United States on a government chartered flight.

The service members arrived at Osan Air Base on June 17, and were transported to Osan’s quarantine barracks where they tested negative on their first mandatory COVID-19 test and entered quarantine. The service members received positive results on their second COVID-19 test required to exit quarantine.

Due to an administrative error, the service members’ results were originally recorded as negative, and they were released according to protocol. Established quality control measures identified the error, and medical staff were able to remedy the situation within 9 hours of their release. Osan officials contacted and transported the service members to Osan’s isolation facility designated for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Osan public health and base officials completed contact tracing and thorough cleaning of facilities visited by the service members.

USFK is collaborating with local public health authorities and the KCDC to share information and discuss response measures.

As a testament to USFK’s aggressive preventative control measures to stop the virus’ spread, any USFK-affiliated individual arriving in South Korea from overseas will be tested for COVID-19 and then quarantined for 14 days. Medical personnel will administer another test prior to being released from isolation.

USFK is reviewing established protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Despite the confirmed cases, USFK remains at a high level of readiness with only seven active duty service members who are currently confirmed positive for COVID-19.

USFK continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea against any threat or adversary while maintaining prudent preventive measures to protect the force.