US military tightens coronavirus controls

Starting Aug. 21, all US military personnel will be required to undergo coronavirus testing before departing for South Korea, a US military newspaper reported Friday.

Under the toughened rules, all US soldiers entering Korea will be quarantined for four weeks and must take two virus tests. They must be in a two-week quarantine before departure and again upon arrival here. They will be tested again before their isolated period here ends.

The same rules apply to any family members traveling with them.

A total of 144 American troops stationed in Korea have so far contracted the disease and 120 have tested positive upon arrival. Critics have asked the US military to beef up screening efforts and test its soldiers for COVID-19.

By Choi Si-young (siyoungchoi@heraldcorp.com)