US Forces Korea raises anti-coronavirus warning level in greater Seoul areas

The United States Forces Korea (USFK)'s Camp Humphreys headquarters in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province is seen in this June 29, 2018, photo. Korea Times file

The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) said Saturday it had raised its current health protection level against the COVID-19 pandemic for Seoul and the surrounding area, restricting its members' travel and other off-base activities in the wake of a recent surge in fresh cases here.

Effective 6 p.m. Saturday, the USFK heightened its Health Protection Condition Level (HPCON) by one notch to Charlie, or HPCON C, for Area II (+) that encompasses Seoul, the western city of Incheon, and eight districts of Gyeonggi Province until further notice, according to USFK.

Under the revised regulations, travel to and within the area is limited to residents or those conducting official and necessary duties. Travel will only be allowed after approval from the related commands.

Other regions will maintain HPCON B, which allows service members to dine at restaurants, shop in person and conduct outdoor activities as long as they adhere to basic anti-virus guidelines, according to the USFK.

The stricter measure comes after new COVID-19 cases in South Korea reached a five-month high of 166 Saturday. The spike prompted the country to place stricter social distancing guidelines on Seoul and the metropolitan area, which bans indoor and outdoor meetings of more than 50 and 100 people, respectively, and shuts down all public facilities, including welfare centers, libraries, art galleries and museums.

"While the USFK community has done a remarkable job keeping COVID-19 out of our formations, installations and communities, we must continue to remain aware of our surroundings and not let down our guard," USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams said, according to a press release.

"We must remain disciplined, vigilant and adhere to our core health protection measures that have enabled us to achieve our current level of success." (Yonhap)