YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The U.S. Forces Japan commander announced a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the Kanto Plains region, Apr. 6, 2020.

The declaration ensures commanders possess the necessary authorities to enforce compliance health protection measures among military, civilians, and contractors who live and work on U.S. installations.

“Protecting the health and safety of everyone associated with U.S. Forces Japan is my number one priority. Due to the steady increase in COVID-19 cases in the Tokyo area, I have implemented a Public Health Emergency for the Kanto Plains region,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan commander. “This order covers all Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine installations and facilities in the area.”

Kanto Plains installations include: Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji, Camp Zama, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Hardy Barracks (Akasaka Press Center), Ikego Housing Area, Sagami Depot, Sagamihara Housing, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, New Sanno Hotel, Tama Hills Recreation Area, Yokohoma North Dock, Yokota Air Base, and any other associated communication sites, housing areas or facilities within the designated Kanto Plains area.

“I cannot underscore enough the importance of personal responsibility at a time like this. Stopping the spread of COVID-19 requires the entire team – service members, civilians, families, and our Japanese partners, Schneider added. “The virus makes no exceptions based on military or civilian status, and our policies and procedures won’t either. We are in this together and I need every single person on every single facility and installation to take this seriously and comply with these measures. While I understand how challenging these times are, it is everyone’s responsibility to do their best to prevent the spread of this virus.”

The PHE will remain in effect through May 5, unless it is renewed or terminated sooner by the USFJ commander.

USFJ continues to follow existing international, U.S. and local guidance and procedures to protect and safeguard our workforce and families. Expansion of health protection and security measures have provided effective ways to lessen risks from COVID-19.

USFJ will continually assess its preventative measures, procedures and continues to encourage strict hygiene measures to reduce the risk of transmission. Anyone who believes they are ill should coordinate with their organizations in order to stay home and avoid exposing others to infection.

Updates from the Centers for Disease Control are available at the link below as well as on the USFJ homepage.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/coronavirus-japan

U.S. Forces Japan