Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
US Forces Korea confirms no coronavirus among service members
Vehicles wait to enter Camp Walker in Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) confirmed Sunday (KST) that it has no case of the new coronavirus among service members.
“There remains zero confirmed cases of USFK personnel with COVID-19 despite the rise in confirmed South Korean cases to more than 550 patients,” USFK said in a statement. “Out of a strong abundance of caution and utilizing the USFK Commander's authority to protect the force, the risk for USFK peninsula-wide personnel and installations remains MODERATE.”
Delivering the news that the COVID-19 virus has been confirmed in 17 major provinces and cities, including Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Chinhae and Pyeongtaek, USFK urged service members and their families to pay close attention to health.
All the cities were near USFK military bases, USFK said.
“Good hygiene practice is the best preventive measure to controlling the spread of viruses,” it said.
“USFK leadership and staff have strong preventative control measures in place. We must protect the force and our community by maintaining our 'Fight Tonight' readiness.”
It also referred to health protection measures, including avoiding shaking hands with others and gathering in large groups.
As of Monday morning, the virus has killed seven people and infected more than 760 in the country.