July 20, 2020: Japan asked the United States to check the army worker corps for coronavirus during its vacation in Japan, according to NHK, the national broadcasting organization.
Ministry of Defense officials have requested two tests: one before the army leaves the United States and after entering Japan, Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono told reporters Friday. Tests would be conducted regardless of whether there are symptoms or not.
“With so many asymptomatic people, PCR testing is a must,” Kono said during a press briefing. He added that the U.S. said it’s considering the request.
The request was made in response to an increasing number of COVID-19 infections among U.S. military personnel in Japan. More than 130 cases have been reported in Okinawa Prefecture, where most of the U.S. military facilities in Japan are located.
On Thursday, the U.S. Marine Corps Camp Hansen in Okinawa reported 58 new coronavirus cases. In addition, 73 cases have been linked to U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, five cases have been confirmed at Kadena Air Base, and one case has been confirmed at both Camp McTureous and Camp Kinser, according to the Xinhua news service.
On Wednesday, Kono cited lax coronavirus practices after infections at Camp Hansen doubled and three Americans ignored Japan’s quarantine rules and boarded a commercial flight while infected, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Under the current Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, U.S. military servicemembers are exempt from the travel ban that U.S. citizens face, but they are quarantined for 14 days before they leave the U.S. and after they arrive in Japan. Those with a fever must take a COVID-19 test.
In early April, the U.S. Forces Japan announced a public health emergency, which was extended on July 10 through mid-August. The emergency declaration allows commanders to “enforce compliance health protection measures” among military, civilians and contractors who live and work on U.S. bases in the country.
“I assume there are cases in which military personnel were infected with the virus but did not develop any symptoms during the two weeks and decided to travel,” Kono said, according to The Asahi Shimbun. “It is important to eliminate people with no symptoms by conducting PCR tests.”
NHK, “Japan is requesting viruses for the U.S. military.”
Xinhua, “Japan’s defense minister is asking the U.S. military to pass virus tests before its arrival.”
Wall Street Journal, “U.S. military instances of coronavirus are in Japan, straining ties.”
U.S. Forces Japan, “COVID-19 Updates.”
Asahi Shimbun, “The entire U.S. Army Workers’ Corps Will Have to Pass A PCR Control upon Arrival.”
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