The USFK Commander has renewed the current Public Health Emergency (PHE) for an additional 90 days effective today. It will remain in effect through Nov. 18, 2020 unless renewed or terminated before then.

The decision to renew the PHE allows USFK to enforce its aggressive preventative control measures that stop the spread of COVID-19 including testing, quarantine, and isolation procedures.

COVID-19 positive cases coming from overseas pose the greatest risk to our community. All USFK-affiliated individuals arriving to South Korea remain separated from the general USFK community and Korean public. New arrivals receive a COVID-19 test upon entry into the country, quarantine for 14 days, and must pass a second test with negative results before they are released from quarantine. If an individual tests positive on either test, they will immediately enter isolation until they receive two negative test results more than 24-hours apart.

The PHE does not change USFK’s current health protection condition, preventive mitigation measures, or indicate an increased risk level on USFK installations.

The USFK community follows control measures put in place to protect the force. This is evident in the less than 1% infection rate among our population of 58,000, but the risk of COVID-19 remains.

The USFK community must continue to follow the core tenets both on and off post. Protect yourself with strict hygiene. Protect your bubble by wearing a mask, staying clear of large crowds, and avoiding handshakes. And protect others by staying home when you are sick. We all must remain vigilant to safeguard the public and the local communities where we work and live.

USFK remains committed to providing a robust, combined defense posture to strengthen the Alliance. Our “Fight Tonight” readiness protects the Republic of Korea against any adversary or threat.

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