By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Officials with the Okinawa government report that more than 60 U.S. forces stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Camp Hansen have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Marine Corps said it “experienced two localized clusters of individuals who tested positive for the virus” and that all personnel who tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, are in isolation.
The two bases have been put on lockdown. MCAS Futenma posted on Facebook:
In light of recent positive COVID-19 cases on Okinawa, Marine Forces Japan has reintroduced additional HPCON measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. These measures have been implemented to protect our forces, our families, and our local communities. As a reminder, we all have a part ot play in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to practice good hygiene, conduct social distancing, and wearing of appropriate facemask.
Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki said, “Okinawans are shocked by what we were told (by the U.S. military),” Tamaki told a news conference. “We now have strong doubts that the U.S. military has taken adequate disease prevention measures.”
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Tamaki demanded transparency in the latest development and said he planned to request talks between the U.S. military and Okinawan officials.
Kadena Air Base and Camp McTureous in Okinawa have also seen coronavirus infections, according to the prefectural government.
The southern island prefecture has reported 148 coronavirus cases, excluding those of U.S. military personnel.
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