TOKYO: The US military has announced a decision to implement stronger measures to prevent novel coronavirus infection for those related to US bases in Japan, following a recent increase in cases of such people being confirmed with the virus.

These measures include “mandating mask wear in any public area and on-base facility while in restriction of movement until in receipt of a negative COVID test (result), “requiring a COVID test upon arrival to Japan” and “reinforcing that all personnel continue to be required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status while off base,” US Forces Japan said in a statement.

They are “intended to protect our force’s readiness, the well-being of our families and the health of Japan’s citizens,” the statement said.

Many people related to the US military’s Camp Hansen in the southernmost Japan prefecture of Okinawa and the Iwakuni base in Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan, have tested positive for the coronavirus. In both prefectures, infections are increasing also outside of the bases.

JIJI Press