US soldier in Korea (Camp Carroll) has tested positive for COVID-19

[Leghorn21]

A USFK soldier stationed at Camp Carroll tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first time a U.S. service member has tested positive for the virus. We’re implementing all appropriate control measures to protect the force.

Link to tweet

A USFK soldier stationed at Camp Carroll tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first time a U.S. service member has tested positive for the virus.

The patient, a 23-year old male, is currently in self quarantine at his off-base residence. He visited Camp Walker on 24 Feb. and Camp Carroll 21-25 Feb. KCDC and USFK health professionals are actively conducting contact tracing to determine whether any others may have been exposed.


USFK is implementing all appropriate control measures to help control the spread of COVID-19 and remains at risk level “high” for USFK peninsula-wide as a prudent measure to protect the force.

USFK encourages all personnel to continue to practice strict proper hygiene procedures as the best ways to prevent the spread of viruses and protect the USFK population: wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, do not touch your face or eyes with unclean hands, avoid handshaking and unnecessary contact with others, non-mission essential large gatherings, clean all common-use areas and items, use caution when traveling off-installation, and most importantly if feeling sick or ill, avoid going to work or school and seek medical treatment for proper diagnosis.


(USFK is “United States Forces Korea”)

The victim is a young man, hopefully in good physical shape and can weather this storm

[Squinch]

1. I guarantee there are more to come. On an army base? Lots more.

[Leghorn21]

2. I know, right Squinch? I've been waiting for our troops to get smacked with this, as a sort of

“marker” or a corner turned...my late father was a Marine and shipped out to Okinawa a few times back in the day, I wonder how those troops will fare as well...

[Squinch]

3. I'm not comparing the two, because there is no comparison, but I know the

1918 flu spread so fast because it hit the army barracks. The war was over, and all the guys were going home to their respective countries, so they'd pass through these army barracks, catch it and then spread it all over.

They are a great breeding ground for a virus.

[Leghorn21]

8. Yes, those barracks are a pretty tight fit - barracks, mess hall, drills - all of it involves all of

the troops, all day and night

fingers crossed that "youth" will cause this virus to stand down (sad face again)

[xmas74]

5. My nephew is stationed there, I think.

He is supposed to fly home for a visit in March.

[Squinch]

6. Ahh, crap. But it seems like it is most dangerous to older people and the

young come out of it OK.
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-severe-seniors.html

[xmas74]

7. He's 20 and very healthy

But it's his first leave home and I want nothing that could cancel it.

[Squinch]

9. Yeah. 20 is such a kid. I bet he's dying for a visit home.

[xmas74]

11. Absolutely.nt

[htuttle]

4. A good friend of mine in the Army was shipped home from Korea last week

He wasn't the only one, it was a routine rotation.

[Drahthaardogs]

10. Been to Daegu - sweet Jesus is it crowded

If he was walking around the town...