Wall Street Journal: U.S. Military Coronavirus Cases Climb in Japan, Straining Ties
TOKYO—Japan’s defense minister accused the U.S. military of lax coronavirus controls after infections at a Marine Corps base more than doubled and three Americans allegedly ignored Japanese quarantine rules and took a commercial flight while infected.
Camp Hansen, a Marine Corps base on the southern island of Okinawa, reported 36 new Covid-19 cases to local authorities on Wednesday, increasing its total to 58. Combined cases involving the U.S. military on Okinawa are at 136, including 71 at another Marine Corps base, according to the U.S. military.
The military is also looking into the case of the three Americans who are connected to a third Marine Corps base on the mainland and arrived in Japan on Sunday. Defense Minister Taro Kono said he believed the Americans told Japanese quarantine officials they would rent a car at the airport to drive to the base but took a commercial flight instead. All arrivals in Japan must take a coronavirus test and agree not to use public transport during a two-week quarantine period. Local reports say the three tested positive. Their identities weren’t released.
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WNU Editor: Coronavirus cases throughout the US military (not only in Japan) are increasing .... US military sees 60 percent jump in coronavirus cases in first few weeks of July (CNN).
More News On Coronavirus Cases Surging For The U.S. Military On Okinawa
Japan "extremely concerned" as 136 COVID cases reported on U.S. bases -- CBS
Japanese defense minister voices alarm over US forces' coronavirus control -- Stars and Stripes
Coronavirus Surge For U.S. Military On Okinawa Adds To Soured Relations There -- NPR
