The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) on Saturday raised its COVID-19 health protection level for all areas in South Korea, imposing restrictions on movement and gatherings.

The USFK raised the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) warning to Charlie or HPCON C, which is the second-highest in its four-tier system.

Under the new rules set to continue through January 5, only "mission essential" individuals will report for duty, with all others working from home. 

The USFK also urged its personnel to abide by South Korean laws and regulations off-post and avoid travel as much as possible within the country.

This comes as South Korea is fighting a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic with daily cases topping one thousand for four straight days.