US Marine bases with links to the NT put into lockdown after COVID-19 outbreak
US Marine bases in Okinawa have been put in lockdown after 61 cases of coronavirus were confirmed this week, according to officials in Japan. It comes after a 21-year-old Marine tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Darwin via Okinawa on Wednesday.
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US Marine bases in Okinawa have been put in lockdown after 61 cases of coronavirus were confirmed this week, according to officials in Japan.
It comes after a 21-year-old US Marine tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Darwin on Wednesday.
Flight data shows the charter flight he was on, which carried a contingent of 300 Marines, travelled to Darwin via Okinawa, Japan where two US military bases have reported virus clusters.
Local authorities say they fear the outbreak could be massive.
In a statement released on Saturday, US military officials say that measures are being put in place and activities outside of the two US military bases will be reduced.
Facilities including gyms and pools on base have also been closed.
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“After months with no confirmed COVID-19 infections on Okinawa, this week the Marine Corps experienced two localised clusters of individuals who tested positive for the virus,” the statement said.
“All personnel who tested positive for COVID-19 are in isolation. Cleaning teams have been dispatched and thorough contact tracing is ongoing to identify and isolate those who may have come in contact with infected personnel.
“Anyone on or off base identified as having been in contact with an infected or suspected infected individual will be notified.”
About 900 of the 1200 US Marines due to take part in this year’s Rotational Force — Darwin (MRF-D) have already arrived.
The fourth and final contingent of 300 Marines is scheduled to arrive in Darwin in coming days but it is not yet clear if they will be coming via Okinawa again.
The NT News contacted the official spokeswoman for the US Marines Rotational Force in Darwin for comment.
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US Defence Department data shows 1770 Marine Corps personnel across the world have tested positive for COVID-19.
The 21-year-old US Marine became the second case of coronavirus detected in Darwin in July, bringing the NT’s total to 32 since the pandemic began.
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