Society

Okinawa cab driver infected amid virus outbreaks at U.S. bases

Jul 17 (Kyodo) - An Okinawa taxi driver in his 80s was confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus, possibly by a passenger belonging to a U.S. Marine base where dozens of cases have been reported, the prefectural government said Thursday.

Among passengers of the taxi driven by the man living in the city of Okinawa was at least one person related to U.S. Marine Corps Camp Hansen, where 58 coronavirus cases have been reported, it said.

A prefectural government official said the taxi driver developed a fever on Tuesday and tested positive the following day. He visited the base at least once between July 4 and 8.

In addition to the base, 73 cases have been linked to U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, with another five confirmed at Kadena Air Base, and one each at Camp McTureous and Camp Kinser.

The total number of cases confirmed at U.S. military bases in Okinawa reached 138, according to the prefectural government.

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