This evening (Feb 19), the S. Korean government confirmed 31 new cases of COVID-2019 coronavirus. Most of the new cases are tied to a church whose members are believed to have contracted it from a single patient. 

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Feb. 19, 2020

From Gen. Robert B. "Abe" Abrams, USFK Commander:

Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Daegu, I want to emphasize the care and well-being of our Daegu service members, families and civilians is a top priority of mine. I’ve implemented the following proactive and precautionary measures to ensure USFK remains vigilant in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Daegu to protect the force:

All service members who’ve attended the New World Church (Sin Cheon Ji Gyo hoe) since Feb. 9 will undergo a mandatory self-quarantine - and is highly recommended for family members, civilians and contractors - until KCDC completes their contact trace procedures to determine who has been exposed to COVID-19.

All service member's non-essential travel to and from Daegu will be prohibited, and off-installation travel minimized; I highly request all family members, civilians and contractors do likewise regarding their travel as well.

All USAG-Daegu and Area IV schools, child development centers, and child & youth services activities will be closed Thursday, and we will make a decision regarding a Friday closure tomorrow.

All visitors who are not performing mission essential or official business will be denied access to USAG-Daegu and Area IV military installations for the next 24 hours, and this directive will be reassessed every 24 hours.

As a Health Protection measure, I’ve elevated the risk for USFK peninsula-wide personnel and installations to moderate until KCDC completes its contact trace procedures.

Finally, good hygiene practice is the best preventive measure to controlling the spread of viruses. We must protect the force and our community by maintaining our "Fight Tonight" readiness!