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Extension of Measures to Address Spread of COVID-19

22-003 | Jan. 21, 2022

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan —

Due to the continuing increase of COVID-19 cases throughout Japan, and in the interest of maintaining high levels of mission readiness necessary for deterrence and fulfillment of Treaty obligations for the security of Japan and maintenance of international peace and stability in the region, the Commander, United States Forces Japan has decided to extend the off-installation restrictions implemented 10 Jan 2022 for seven additional days until 31 Jan 2022. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to protect all personnel from rapid spread of COVID19 in local communities. USFJ remains focused on meeting Treaty obligations for the defense of Japan and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

The stringent COVID-19 mitigations implemented in December have effectively stalled the spread of the virus on U.S. installations. New cases are plateauing, with many installations seeing significant decreases. Symptoms experienced by those recently infected with COVID-19 continue to be very mild in nature. USFJ maintains strict contact tracing and testing protocols to ensure accurate detection and reporting of COVID-19 cases.

USFJ active duty personnel continue to maintain a high vaccination rate over 98%, while the ongoing booster shot rollout that commenced in November 2021 continues for servicemembers, families, and local Japanese employees with approximately a quarter of eligible personnel having received a booster shot.

For two years USFJ has coordinated closely and collaboratively with GOJ on COVID-19 mitigation measures and will continuously monitor the COVID-19 situation and make adjustments to these measures as necessary to protect the health and safety of both US and Japanese personnel on our installations and in local communities.