Feb 26 , 2020. 12 minutes ago – 12:35 KYODO NEWS

SEOUL – South Korea said Wednesday that its total coronavirus infection cases have exceeded 1,000 as the situation rapidly worsens in the country, with the first case confirmed among U.S. military personnel.

With 169 new cases reported the same day, the number of infections has reached 1,146 and the death toll has risen to 11.

South Korea is on its highest alert over the outbreak of the pneumonia-causing virus, which first emerged in neighboring China, as the number of cases of infection skyrocketed from 51 a week ago.

Most cases have been found in the southeastern city of Daegu and the neighboring county of Cheongdo. In Daegu, there is a cluster linked to a branch of a religious group, while in Cheongdo there is another linked to a hospital.

Of the 169 newly confirmed cases, 134 were in Daegu and 19 in North Gyeongsang Province, which includes Cheongdo, according to the Health and Welfare Ministry. Some cases were confirmed in big cities such as Seoul and the southern port city of Busan.

A U.S. soldier who belongs to U.S. Forces Korea has tested positive for the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19, marking the first case of infection among U.S. service members, the U.S. military said in a statement on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old male was stationed at Camp Carroll, located in North Gyeongsang Province, and visited Camp Walker in Daegu on Monday, the statement said, adding that he is currently quarantining himself at his off-base residence.

“USFK is implementing all appropriate control measures to help control the spread of COVID-19 and remains at risk level ‘high’…to protect the force,” the statement said.

The 11th death was a Mongolian national who died Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement, marking the first death of a foreigner in the outbreak in the country.

Prime Minister Chung Sye Kyun has been staying in Daegu since Tuesday to lead the government’s containment efforts. He has indicated that the government intends to contain the outbreak in the city within four weeks.

Some countries are reacting to the surge in infection cases in South Korea by imposing restrictions on entry by South Koreans.

CR: KYODO NEWS