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US Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris posts a message of encouragement for South Koreans battling the novel coronavirus from his residence on Mar. 24. (Twitter)

US Forces Korea declared a public health emergency on Mar. 25 as part of its response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

In a press release that day, the USFK command said, “With the World Health Organization increasing its world-wide warning to ‘very high,’ the US Department of State declaring a global level 4 travel advisory - do not travel - and the increased exposure potential of COVID-19 in proximity to USFK installations, the USFK commander exercised his authority to declare a Public Health Emergency today.” The public health emergency is to remain in effect through Apr. 23 unless extended or suspended by the USFK commander.

“The protection of the force remains our number one priority, and we continually monitor and assess the conditions of COVID-19 in South Korea and its presence near USFK installations,” said USFK Commander Gen. Robert B. Abrams.

“In order to ensure I possess the necessary authorities needed to enforce compliance and protect the force, I have declared a Public Health Emergency for all US commands and military installations in the Republic of Korea,” he continued.

Abrams also noted, “[W]e have made significant progress in our containment efforts to keep the virus out of our installations and formations.”

“Declaring a Public Health Emergency is a prudent decision to ensure we remain disciplined and vigilant while fighting complacency,” he explained.

“We remain committed to doing everything we can to keep everyone safe while balancing the overall health, safety and protection of the force with mission accomplishment,” he stressed.

“We must protect the force to protect the mission,” he added.

USFK emphasized that the decision to declare a public health emergency would not mean any changes to the current health protection and prevention measures or an upgrade in the USFK risk level. It also stressed that it was “committed to providing a robust combined defense posture while maintaining ‘Fight Tonight’ readiness to protect the Republic of Korea against any adversary or threat.”

By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]

Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]