Dozens of U.S. Marines Infected With Coronavirus on Okinawa

A COVID-19 outbreak occurred at US military bases on Okinawa, Japan, with about 60 cases reported. The US military requested the exact numbers be kept confidential, but local media disclosed the figures. Okinawa's Governor Denny Tamaki criticized the military's handling of the outbreak and demanded transparency. The Pentagon had previously ordered bases to stop reporting exact case numbers for security reasons. The Okinawa Assembly protested the US response, citing a lack of transparency. Temporary lockdowns were imposed on two bases, and local residents have long protested the US military presence due to pollution, noise, and crime.

What did the US military request regarding the COVID-19 cases on Okinawa?

• To provide vaccines to all personnel

• To keep the exact number of cases confidential

• To increase the number of tests conducted

• To evacuate the bases immediately

What was Governor Denny Tamaki's main concern about the outbreak?

• The lack of medical facilities on the island

• The increase in tourism during the outbreak

• The military's infection prevention measures

• The closure of local businesses

How did the Marines respond to the request for the number of cases?

• They provided detailed statistics

• They confirmed the exact number of cases

• They denied any outbreak

• They stated that clusters had been isolated

What action did the Pentagon take in March regarding case reporting?

• Requested international assistance

• Mandated daily updates to the public

• Stopped reporting exact case numbers

• Ordered an increase in case reporting

What are some of the longstanding complaints of local residents about the US bases?

• Lack of employment opportunities

• Pollution, noise, and crime

• Limited access to healthcare

• Insufficient housing