Another batch of new confirmed coronavirus cases have been linked to a U.S. Marine Corps base in Okinawa, raising further concerns about adherence to the Japanese government's travel guidelines for U.S. personnel.

Over 30 New Infections at U.S. Marine Corps Okinawa Base

The prefectural government of Okinawa announced on Wednesday that a U.S. Marine Corps base in the prefecture has added 36 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total of infections at American military bases in Okinawa to 136.

So far, Camp Hansen has logged a total of 58 confirmed coronavirus cases, while the Marine Corps Air Station in Futenma recorded 71 infections. Camp Kinser and Camp McTureous both reported one case each, and five cases were reported at Kadena Air Base.

Aside from the military base-related cases, there have also been 148 confirmed COVID-19 cases among civilians, prompting Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki to urge locals to get medical checks if they attended parties during the July 4th celebrations with U.S. personnel.

Tamaki is expected to seek help from the national government regarding the adherence and disclosure of necessary information from the U.S. military. He is also expected to press Tokyo to stop arrivals of U.S. personnel from outside Japan in the meantime.

'Very Serious Situation," Government Official Says

Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono has since addressed the outbreak of coronavirus cases in American military bases across the country.

Kono said the situation is "extremely serious" following the confirmation that aside from U.S. military personnel, some of the patients' family members have also been infected.

The government official's comments came after three American personnel took a commercial flight to the Yamaguchi Prefecture's Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni even after Japanese travel guidelines noted that U.S. personnel should not use public transportation.

The said personnel have since tested COVID-19 positive. "I asked the US side to strictly punish them and to take a serious action to prevent recurrence in the future," Kono said of the matter.

Tamaki Expresses 'Doubts' Over Prevention Measures

After news emerged about the positive results of the three personnel who got on a commercial flight, Tamaki said he has "strong doubts" about the information disclosed by the U.S. military.

Tamaki went on to note that the increasing number of infected U.S. personnel was "extremely regrettable" due to the shocking case load that were reported in less than a week that included U.S. military families.

Health experts noted that the prefectural government's reaction to the COVID-19 cases linked to American bases was understandable as Okinawa only recorded 148 confirmed infections since the Japanese outbreak kicked off in February.

Tokyo Cases Below 200

Meanwhile in Tokyo, where the government has been battling with a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, cases have dipped below 200 for the third straight day.

Tokyo logged a total of 165 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, marking a consecutive decline in new infections in the capital city for three consecutive days.

The government has been carrying out widespread testing and contact tracing measures after cluster infections were detected in host clubs and other nightlife establishments.

As of Wednesday, Japan has logged a total of 22,220 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 982 deaths.