US forces in Japan ordered to wear masks as COVID cases jump

Published January 5, 2022 11:25 PM

By YURI KAGEYAMA
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — The U.S. military is ordering personnel stationed in Japan to wear masks when going off base to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections. American forces have come under fire after a recent increase in coronavirus cases in areas where they are assigned in large numbers, including Okinawa and Iwakuni, both in southern Japan. Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki has sent a request to Japan’s national government asking for permission for the prefecture to strengthen anti-COVID measures. At least 980 people, a daily record for Okinawa, tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. In December, there were zero new cases some days.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

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