Tokyo reported 317 new cases, the first time since late August that the capital’s tally has topped 300. The metropolitan government says that so far, more older people than those in their 20s and 30s have been infected, but new cases are now occurring. Officials also note that more than 100 of the new infections are asymptomatic, increasing the threat of undetected spread of the virus. The number of other people in serious condition now stands at 38, five more than the previous day. .
“We need all citizens to act to protect the elderly and prevent others from becoming seriously ill,” Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko told reporters on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Western Osaka Prefecture recorded a record 256 new cases. And Hokkaido’s northern prefecture continues to face a surge in cases as temperatures drop; It has already recorded more than a hundred infections for seven consecutive days.
In Niigata Prefecture, an outbreak occurred at a police station in Minamiuonuma City. So far, 15 staff members have tested positive and the rest of the roughly 80 staff members are quarantining at home. Meanwhile, the prefecture’s prefecture of police has sent replacements to take over.
Nakagawa said a continuation of cases would inevitably test the country’s health and suggested the government take steps to restrict the regional spread of the virus before it is too late.
The rising number of cases is weighing on the minds of doctors across the country. Tokyo Kita Medical Center has the capacity to care for 40 coronavirus patients at a time. Currently, 18 of those beds are occupied. But that number has been rising since October. Just yesterday, the hospital admitted six new patients.
Morishima says other people deserve to follow fundamental infection measures, such as washing hands thoroughly, ventilating rooms frequently, avoiding crowds and wearing masks.
Nationwide, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunbu said the government is on high alert following the recent surge in cases and is taking steps to curb the spread of the virus. He says the government will offer assistance to local governments as they try to limit outbreaks in their communities. This includes helping to conduct large-scale testing and sending experts to detect cluster infections.
He added that the government will work with experts to propose stricter measures in the face of cluster infections and will continue to keep the public informed about those policies.