KYODO NEWS



 

Japan confirmed a record 1,597 new coronavirus infections on Friday, as cases continue to mount throughout the country, particularly in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka.

With Japan's Bon holiday season beginning next week, there is concern that the movement of people will further spread the virus.

The Tokyo metropolitan government on Friday reported 462 new cases of coronavirus infection, just short of the daily record of 472 cases confirmed in the capital late last week.

The single-day figure pushed Tokyo's cumulative total to 15,107. The capital of nearly 14 million residents has the highest number of infections in the country, which has seen more than 44,000 cases.

The daily figures reflect the most recent totals reported by health authorities and medical institutions.

To mitigate the risk of the virus spreading, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike has requested residents to refrain from traveling during the holiday.
The metropolitan government has raised its alert for the pandemic to the highest of four levels, meaning "infections are spreading."

Tokyo has requested karaoke venues and establishments serving alcohol close by 10 p.m., which came into effect on Monday and will continue through the end of August.

Koike has warned that Tokyo authorities may declare an emergency if numbers continue to rise.

Koike said Friday the Tokyo government has designated two medical institutions in the capital to exclusively treat coronavirus patients with mild and moderate symptoms from the fall.

The first such facilities in Tokyo will each provide 100 beds for patients.
Osaka Prefecture confirmed Friday 255 new cases of coronavirus, breaking its record for daily cases a second day in a row.

Okinawa Prefecture also broke its daily record Friday, reporting 100 new cases.