S Korean city seeks to test US soldiers

SEOUL: A South Korean city that is home to the largest US overseas military base has asked for coronavirus tests on American soldiers before they arrive, amid concerns over a recent spike in imported cases, officials said yesterday.

US Forces Korea (USFK) has reported at least 25 virus infections among its troops and employees in the past two weeks, including 11 on Monday.

All were confirmed upon arrival or while spending two weeks in mandatory quarantine.

The surge has prompted Pyeongtaek, home to the sprawling Camp Humphreys south of Seoul, to ask the government to request a pre-departure test for incoming US soldiers, a city official said.

“Luckily there’s no infection within the base reported so far, but we thought a prior test could curb the numbers and soothe concerns among residents,” the official said.

The USFK did not respond to a request seeking comment. But it has said it is taking aggressive quarantine measures.

Fewer than 1% of active duty personnel have tested positive.

All arrivals face a test, two weeks in isolation and a second test before release.

On Monday, health ministry official Son Young-rae described US authorities’ response to the virus as “extremely strong”.

He said both sides are in close consultation on further steps.

A South Korean military official said more US troops were confirmed infected as the current rotation season nears its end.

About 28,500 US troops are stationed in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War that ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

Host to more than 20,000 soldiers, the Pyeongtaek garrison is the largest overseas US base, sprawling over an area of 14.7 million square metres.

South Korea reported 39 new virus infections yesterday, among them 28 overseas travellers, for a 20th consecutive day of imported cases in double digits.

It unveiled plans this week to seek pre-departure tests of visitors from six countries, ranging from Bangladesh and Pakistan.