USFK maintains 3rd-highest antivirus scheme across S. Korea

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) decided Tuesday to maintain its antivirus alert at the current level for all areas of South Korea amid the continued spread of the virus in the country.

In early December, USFK enforced the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie, or HPCON C, the third-highest warning level in its five-tier system and extended the scheme twice to Jan. 12.

"Based on the continued high numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea, USFK will remain in HPCON Charlie and will make an official reassessment of our HPCON level on Jan. 19," USFK tweeted.

Under the guidance, only "mission essential" individuals will report for duty, while all others work remotely.

Non-necessary off-post activities are also restricted, such as visiting gyms outside the barracks, clubs, shopping centers and theaters.

South Korea has been experiencing another wave of the pandemic since mid-November. The daily caseload has fallen below 1,000 recently after hovering around the mark for weeks. On Tuesday, the country added 537 more COVID-19 cases, including 508 local infections.

Up until Monday, USFK reported a total of 581 COVID-19 patients, most of whom tested positive upon arrival in South Korea from the U.S.

graceoh@yna.co.kr
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