MCAS Iwakuni is now at one active case of COVID-19. One additional case was confirmed positive last night, August 6, following restriction of movement exit testing. That individual arrived to MCAS Iwakuni on July 24 aboard the Patriot Express and, in accordance with USFJ policy, was immediately placed into restriction of movement. They have not come into contact with anyone since their arrival, are asymptomatic for the virus, and present a low likelihood of further spread of the virus. Unless they develop symptoms of COVID-19, the individual will remain in an isolation status for an additional 14 days in accordance with Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery guidance.

The three previously positive individuals remained asymptomatic for COVID-19 and were medically cleared last night following 24 days of isolation. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Contact tracing both on and off base has concluded and this incident has not led to any reported cases of COVID-19 within Japan.

Preserving the health and safety of our local community remains paramount, therefore the air station continues to actively take aggressive measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure, both on and off base. The following is the risk mitigation standard in place for MCAS Iwakuni personnel to abide by in order to keep our local community safe:

• Movement between Okinawa and Iwakuni is severely reduced.
• Strict restriction of movement measures are in place for anyone coming to Iwakuni from outside mainland Japan.
• Travel is limited to the local area only, which includes Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, and Shimane Prefectures.
• Face coverings are required when indoors or around other people.
• Most public transportation is off limits.
• Washing hands is encouraged throughout the day; hand sanitizer is available in almost every single building on the air station.
• Off-base bars, clubs, karaoke rooms, pachinko parlors, public baths, tattoo parlors, and massage parlors are off limits. Strict risk-mitigation measures are in place in on base bars and other facilities.
• Hiroshima City is off limits for base personnel who do not live there, unless they have a medical appointment.
• Overnight stays are not authorized, except when camping.

In addition to what is listed above, during the Obon holiday, enhanced risk mitigation measures will be in place for MCAS Iwakuni personnel in order to preserve the health and safety of the local community while many in Japan travel to and from their home towns to be with family. Those enhanced measures are as follows:

• Movement off-base is limited to the following essential services: medical appointments, veterinary services, grocery shopping, banking and bill payment, gas/service stations, and postal services.
• In addition to essential services, the following are authorized: attending school, off-base employment, take-out food from off-base restaurants, residential social gatherings, off-base physical fitness activities, and the use of taxis.

The air station hopes that families understand the significant risks involved with traveling during the global COVID-19 pandemic and is very much looking forward to being able to fully honor and celebrate the Obon holiday next year.”