TOKYO (Reuters) - The U.S. Forces Japan commander declared on Monday a public health emergency for its military bases in eastern Japan’s Kanto region including Tokyo, which has seen a jump in the number of new coronavirus infections.

“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,” Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider, U.S. Forces Japan commander said in a statement. “This order covers all Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine installations and facilities in the area.”

COVID-19 is the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus.