Tokyo on alert as new infections spike

Jun 03, 2020 | News On Japan

Jun 03, 2020 (NHK) - Officials in Tokyo have issued an alert after confirming the highest daily tally of coronavirus infections in weeks.

The governor says it's a way of urging residents to remain cautious -- but does not alter the plan to gradually reopen the economy.

Officials reported 34 new infections in the capital on Tuesday. It's the first time the number has topped 30 in more than three weeks. Nearly 5,300 people have tested positive so far in the city of about 14 million.

The increase comes one week after the central government lifted the state of emergency for the Tokyo metropolitan area.

That prompted the Tokyo government to begin easing requests that saw many businesses close.

Officials have since been monitoring the situation and say it's worsening.

Governor Koike Yuriko said:" We want to continue resuming social and economic activities while preventing the spread of COVID-19. We'll need cooperation from all residents. "

Officials are particularly concerned about infections at bars and night clubs. About a third of the 90 cases confirmed in Tokyo over the past week have been linked to these kinds of establishments.

The businesses pose a problem for people in charge of tracing infection routes because employees have contact with so many strangers.

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