Okinawa Marine bases hit by virus
TOKYO – Dozens of U.S. Marines at two bases on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa have been infected with the coronavirus in what is feared to be a massive outbreak, Okinawa’s governor said Saturday, demanding an explanation from the U.S. military.
Gov. Denny Tamaki said he could say only that a “few dozen” cases had been found recently because the U.S. military asked that the exact figure not be released. The outbreaks occurred at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, at the center of a relocation dispute, and Camp Hansen, Tamaki said.
Local media, citing unnamed sources, said about 60 people were infected.
“Okinawans are shocked by what we were told (by the U.S. military),” Tamaki said. “We now have strong doubts that the U.S. military has taken adequate disease prevention measures.”
Tamaki demanded transparency in the latest development and said he will request talks between the U.S. military and Okinawan officials. He said Okinawan officials also asked the Japanese government to demand that the U.S. provide details including the number of cases, seal off Futenma and Camp Hansen, and step up preventive measures on base. Okinawan officials made similar requests to the U.S. military Friday to address local residents’ concerns, Tamaki said.