U.S. Forces Japan says it is establishing “more stringent mitigation measures” to prevent COVID-19 transmissions at its bases in the country.  The measures include requiring U.S. military personnel to wear masks while off base and stricter testing mandates.

Tokyo, January 6 (RHC)-- U.S. Forces Japan says it is establishing “more stringent mitigation measures” to prevent COVID-19 transmissions at its bases in the country.  The measures include requiring U.S. military personnel to wear masks while off base and stricter testing mandates.

Moves come amid a surge in infections in Okinawa, which is host to 70 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan.  The prefecture leads the country in new infections and is considering imposing quasi-emergency measures.

The U.S. military in Okinawa reported six new cases on Wednesday, down from a high of 235 on Sunday.  A total of 3,868 cases have been reported by US Forces Japan, according to local media.