Strong Precautionary Measures Being Implemented by US Troops for COVID-19 Prevention

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In South Korea, American commanders had executed health protection conditions Charlie for 28,500 troops from the United States, including their families. It aims to limit certain activities and personal contacts. This was implemented after a soldier stationed in South Korea was discovered to be infected with the COVID-19 virus, according to an article from Washington Examiner. 

The Infected American Soldier in South Korea

The infected American soldier was based in a town close to Daegu in Camp Carroll. This was the place where the deadly coronavirus outbreak was recently centered.

According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of the 284 cases in the country, 216 were in Daegu.

The Risk Level of the COVID-19 Epidemic to the United States Forces Korea

According to a statement released by the United States Forces Korea, the infected soldier was a 23-year-old male. Currently, the man had quarantined himself in an off-base residence. It also stated that the United States military health professionals and Korea are already searching the people whom the infected military personnel had made contact with. This will help identify whether those persons may have contracted the disease.

The statement said that the USFK will be executing all necessary control procedures to help manage the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The virus is currently at a high-risk level for the USFK peninsula-wide. These actions are being implemented to safeguard the force.

The United States Korea Commander, General Robert Adams, had increased the level of risk to United States forces to a high level. Also, the United States Forces Korea had included the 'COVID-19 hotspot tracker' on its website's home page. 

Under the new rules, the United States troops, including civilian employees and contractors, are ordered to refrain from conducting non-mission essential in-person conferences and prevent making close and unnecessary personal contact with other people such as shaking hands. 

Bowling alleys, golf courses, and movie theatres in four United States bases in South Korea had already ceased its operations due to the strong need to conduct precautionary measures. Also, service members are prohibited from participating in unimportant off-installation activities and social events such as dine-in at a restaurant. However, taking out food is allowed. Other prohibited activities include visiting bars, clubs, shopping malls, and any other locations where there are more than 20 people in the facility.

The Statistics of COVID-19 in South Korea

According to Statista, there is a total of 1,261 COVID-19 infections in South Korea as of February 26. The country got its first case of the COVID-19 virus on January 20. 

Currently, 24 patients were discharged from medical centers. All of them recovered from the deadly virus. 

Furthermore, 12 deaths in South Korea from the dangerous virus were reported. More than 52,000 were tested for the virus.

In 2020's first quarter, South Korea is expected to attain a loss of approximately 2.9 trillion South Korean won from tourism revenue. This will happen if the COVID-2019 will continue to spread in the country. Also, the total number of tourists in South Koreas is expected to fall by two million.