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Coronavirus Outbreak, Furlough Threats Provoke Anxiety at US Bases in South
Korea

William Gallo

   SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - The U.S. military in South Korea, whose motto is
   "Ready to Fight Tonight," has been forced into battles on two
   nontraditional fronts: a highly contagious virus that is spreading
   rapidly throughout the country, and the looming threat that thousands
   of South Korean workers on U.S. bases could soon be furloughed because
   of a cost-sharing dispute with Seoul.

   U.S. Forces Korea this week placed its bases on high alert after a
   service member and two other people who had visited the base contracted
   the coronavirus. In response, the U.S. and South Korea quickly
   postponed planned joint military exercises, imposed temperature checks
   and other measures for those entering base, and restricted off-base
   travel for troops.

   Separately, the U.S. military said Friday it had notified 9,000 of its
   Korean employees they could be furloughed in 30 days, if the U.S. and
   South Korea fail to reach a deal on how to split the cost of the U.S.
   military presence.

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