This Jan 27, 2018 aerial file photo shows US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, Okinawa, southern Japan. (KYODO NEWS VIA AP)

TOKYO - Japan and the United States are sharing information about coronavirus infections at US military bases after an outbreak provoked ire in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, a top Japanese official said on Monday.

Okinawa confirmed a total of 62 individuals - 39 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, 22 at Camp Hansen and one at Camp Kinser - had tested positive for the virus between Sunday and July 7.

Okinawa confirmed a total of 62 individuals - 39 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, 22 at Camp Hansen and one at Camp Kinser - had tested positive for the virus between Sunday and July 7

Later in the day, TV Asahi reported that another 32 cases were confirmed at the Futenma base on Monday.

"We will cooperate appropriately on this matter," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a regular news briefing. "Japan and the United States are sharing information about the activity history of the infected military individuals."

Okinawa is host to the bulk of US military forces in Japan, whose alliance with Washington is central to its security.

But many Okinawans associate the bases with problems from crime to accidents, and want the Marines to reduce their presence or leave the area altogether.

READ MORE: Japan to push ahead with US base move in Okinawa despite opposition

At the weekend, Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki said it was "extremely regrettable" that a large number of infections had occurred in a short time, adding that Okinawans were "shocked" by the news.

"I can't help but have strong doubts about the US military's measures to prevent infections," he said, adding that there were reports of personnel leaving base for beach parties and visits to night life districts around Independence Day on July 4.

On its Facebook page for Pacific bases, the Marine Corps said it was prohibiting off-base activity for all installations across Okinawa, except essential needs such as medical appointments approved by a commanding officer.

"We are trying to limit as much contact (with local people) as we can, as we look to contact tracing of infected personnel," a US military spokesman said.

ALSO READ: US cancels military drills with Philippines over coronavirus

Excluding the bases, Okinawa's infections stand at 148, with seven deaths, the prefecture's website shows. Nationwide, Japan has recorded nearly 22,000 cases and 1,000 deaths.