- International arrivals are no longer required to submit pre-arrival or post-arrival COVID-19 tests.
- If travelers are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, a PCR test shall be conducted at a Military Treatment Facility.
- Personnel assigned to areas not serviced by a military treatment facility may have their PCR test conducted by an alternate civilian facility (airport, civilian hospital, etc.).
- Recommend taking a self-administered antigen test on day 6/7 following arrival to USFK.
Please contact your chain of command, supervisor or sponsor for additional details regarding your arrival to USFK. To learn more, visit USFK's Traveling to Koreapage.
Please see the current COVID information below. USFK has implemented these mitigation measures to minimize potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus, and adherence to our core tenets for all USFK-affiliated personnel to protect the force to protect the mission.
USFK aligns with ROK for COVID-19 arrival policy
By USFK Public Affairs | Oct. 4, 2022
To align with ROK entry requirements USFK no longer requires a pre-arrival COVID-19 test or a post-arrival PCR test for SOFA-affiliated international arrivals, regardless of vaccination status. Also, the USFK commander has renewed the current Public Health Emergency Declaration. It will remain in effect for 30 days until Nov. 5, unless it is renewed or terminated before then.
USFK Adjusts to HPCON Alpha
By USFK Public Affairs | June 2, 2022
Based on United States Forces Korea’s assessment of the low COVID community level in South Korea, USFK will adjust its health protection condition to “Alpha,” peninsula-wide, effective Thursday, June 2.
USFK adjusts mask regulations on installations for USFK-affiliated personnel
By USFK Public Affairs | April 25, 2022
Based on South Korean COVID-19 numbers meeting the Department of Defense “medium” level, mask wear is no longer required within USFK installations, HQs, and unit facilities. Please follow your installation/garrison commander directives for how this affects high traffic indoor community areas such as the commissary, exchange, shoppettes, banks, gyms, libraries and other common areas. You must adhere to ROKG guidance on mask wear when off-installation and in combined US-ROK military work areas.
USFK removes IR-based travel restrictions
By USFK Public Affairs | Nov. 5, 2021
Effective immediately, due to increased vaccination rates among USFK-affiliated and ROK populations, and to better align with the ROK government’s “Living with COVID-19” initiatives, USFK is removing all existing travel restrictions within the ROK for its affiliated communities. Future travel restrictions will now be implemented the USFK Component Commands to mitigate risk to their formations; please see your or your sponsor’s chain of command/supervisor on how this change in policy effects you.
USFK confirmed positive COVID-19 cases are updated each Tuesday in the table below.
Individuals confirmed with COVID-19 are placed in isolation at a facility designated for confirmed COVID-19 cases at USAG–Humphreys, Osan Air Base or their residence.
USFK continues to maintain a robust combined defense posture to protect the Republic of Korea against any threat or adversary, while maintaining prudent preventive measures to protect the force.
| 28 | 0 | 28 |
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems
people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Older people and those who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.
Read more about COVID-19 online at: About COVID-19 | CDC
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.
COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:
- Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
- Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
- Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.
Read more about COVID-19 transmission online at: Transmission | CDC
COVID-19 Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. USFK will continue to update this list, as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Read more about COVID-19 symptoms online at: Symptoms of COVID-19 | CDC
Preventive Measure Tips/Guidelines
Make sure to follow the core tenets: Protect Yourself, Protect the Bubble and Protect Others. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19, especially severe
illness and death. Vaccines are safe and effective.
However, if you are feeling sick or ill, do not come to work and follow the below guidelines:
- Seek US medical care/treatment if you are feeling sick, experiencing fever, cough or difficulty breathing; be sure to call ahead to the medical clinic to advise them of recent travels and current symptoms
- Wear a surgical mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Perform routine cleaning of all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace - doorknobs, countertops, desks, refrigerators, keyboards, remote controls, etc. - with disposable wipes; additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is not needed
- Avoid nonessential travel
- Avoid travel or contact with others while sick
- Avoid contact with sick people
Read more about COVID-19 prevention online at: Prevent Getting Sick | CDC
Back to the Top
Review some of our frequently asked questions below in relation to HPCON Guidelines.
I think I might have been exposed to COVID-19. Where do I call to see if I need to be in self-quarantine?Feel free to call the COVID Information Center at 050-3337-2556 (Commercial, Korea) or via DSN at (315) 737-2556. This hotline is available from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., 7 days a week.
If you're at a Korean Hospital and need language interpretation services, call
Tricare's 24/7 at 080-429-0880, select option 1 and ask for an interpreter
If the current COVID restrictions require you to obtain an exception to policy (ETP), please reach out to your/your spouse's chain of command for ETP submission guidelines.
In the current HPCON, is ___________ open on base/installation?Please visit the installation's Facebook page or website for information on the current status for their facilities.
Click here to jump to the list of social media for each installation.
Please look at the current HPCON guidelines for your area to see if certain activities are allowed. The current HPCON status is indicated in the red box above. If you have a question about a specific activity/location or are unsure if it is authorized or not authorized, please reach out to your/your spouse's chain of command for approval. Note: An ETP maybe required.
What if I would like to quarantine at a different location than a designated quarantine facility?All USFK associated personnel (Service Members, Family Members, Civilian Employees, Contractors, and Retirees) wanting to quarantine at a location other than a dedicated quarantine facility must have a "Quarantine Action Plan" signed by an O-6 or civilian equivalent from their Korea based military unit or civilian organization. Retirees are authorized to sign for themselves and their family members. Arriving personnel, which reside in the immediate area, after providing a sample for their first COVID test will be released to their unit/organization’s representative provided they have a signed "Quarantine Action Plan". Installations are authorized to hold arriving personnel that do not reside in the immediate area until after the results of the first COVID test are returned. Visitors without one of the following documents: CAC, A-3 Visa/Immigration Card, SOFA verification Stamp, will follow ROK government procedures on arrival.
A visitor, even if they have a military ID card, are required to follow ROK guidelines in regards to quarantine as they are utilizing a Visitor visa. Please visit the U.S. Embassy's Website for current guidelines regarding ROK quarantine.
I don't see my answer here. Where can I ask my questions?If you do not see your question answered here, please reach out to your/your sponsor's chain of command for further guidance.
Back to the Top
About the COVID-19 Vaccines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the one-dose Janssen vaccine, commonly referred to as Johnson & Johnson or J&J for use under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on February 27, 2021, which may help prevent COVID-19 in in individuals 18 years of age and older. To learn more about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, view the links below.
After a comprehensive review of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the vaccine for use under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on December 18, 2020, which may help prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older. To learn more about the Moderna vaccine, view the links below.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for use under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on December 11, 2020, which may help prevent COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. On August 23, 2021, the FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (now marketed as Comirnaty), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older.
On May 10, 2021, the FDA authorized (EUA) the use of this vaccine in adolescents between the ages of 12-15. On October 29, 2021, the FDA authorized (EUA) the use of this vaccine in children between the ages of 5-11. On June 17, 2022, the FDA authorized (EUA) the use of this vaccine in children between the ages of 6 months through 4 years.
To learn more about the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, view the links below.
Back to the Top
Make sure to follow us on social media to find up-to-date messages and information about COVID-19 through our various social media channels below:
Also make sure to keep an eye on installation social media for up-to-date messages and information about COVID-19 for the various USFK installations, as they may have additional regulations in place.
Back to the Top