Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko has urged residents not to eat and drink in large groups, to keep the coronavirus out of their homes.

The governor made the call on Thursday, when the capital for the first time reported more than 500 new cases of the virus.

Koike told reporters that Tokyo's daily tallies have recently been very high. She said the numbers are rising among elderly people, who could develop serious conditions.

Koike noted that since August, the top route of contracting the virus has been from family members.

She cited reports about people who contracted the virus after it was brought home by family members who'd dined out with others.

She said in some cases, multiple family members developed symptoms simultaneously, and that once the virus enters a home, preventing infection among family members becomes very difficult.

Koike proposed five keywords that include the Japanese kanji character for "ko," meaning "small" or "short." She said she wants Tokyo residents to keep the words in mind when they take part in yearend and New Year parties.

She encouraged people to gather in small numbers for a short time, such as one hour, and to talk quietly.

She also recommended using small dishes for sharing food, and more frequent hand washing and sanitizing.

The governor said the elderly and those with underlying conditions as well as their family members should try to avoid dining out with others, and make sure to wash or disinfect their hands when they enter their homes.

Source: Kyodo