180 COVID cases reported at U.S. base in Okinawa Pref.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:25 JST, December 20, 2021

At least 180 novel coronavirus cases have been reported as of Monday morning at the U.S. Marine Corps’ Camp Hansen in Okinawa Prefecture, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a press conference.

Those confirmed to have the virus are being quarantined inside the base, while activities of other officers and related personnel are under the supervision of authorities, Matsuno said.

The central government has asked the U.S. side to take strict measures, including imposing penalties, against those who violate the U.S. military’s instructions regarding the issue.

“We will ask [the U.S. side] to implement thorough measures to prevent the spread of infections, and also do everything we can to resolve local residents’ concerns,” Matsuno said.