Society | Jan 07

Tokyo reports record 2,447 new cases

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 2,447 new cases of the coronavirus in the capital on Thursday, setting a new high for the second day in a row.

The daily figure topped the 2,000-mark for the first time. It's a jump of more than 850 from Wednesday's total of 1,591. The daily tally surpassed 1,000 for the third straight day.

The total number of people who have tested positive in Tokyo now stands at 68,790.

Tokyo officials say the number of those in serious condition rose by eight from Wednesday to a new high of 121.

A senior official told NHK that the speed of the increase is surprising.

The official said the daily tally rose so quickly from 1,000 to 2,000, adding that Tokyo residents should have a sense of urgency and change their behavior.

The figure topped 1,000 for the first time on December 31.


MORE Society NEWS

A fire chief in Shiga Prefecture has been disciplined for "vaccine harassment," after a staff member who chose not to receive the COVID-19 jab was made to work in the office hallway.

As more people keep pets indoors, there has been a call for caution regarding unexpected pet behavior leading to fire accidents.

Last year saw a record-breaking 1,963 prohibition orders issued in Japan under the Stalking Control Law, marking the highest number to date.

POPULAR NEWS

Japan's Meteorological Agency announced the blooming of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo at 2 p.m. on Friday, five days later than average.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) announced a formal plan on March 28 to establish priority lanes for autonomous vehicles along expressways stretching from Tohoku to Kyushu within the next ten years.

JAXA has announced the revival of the unmanned explorer "SLIM" following its successful hibernation after making Japan's first moon landing. The probe successfully endured a second lunar night, a period during which temperatures can drop to as low as minus 170 degrees Celsius.

Seven-Eleven have extended the expiry date of its hand-rolled onigiri (rice balls), including salmon, plum, kelp, spicy cod roe, and tuna mayonnaise varieties.

The Japanese government finalized a new strategy on Wednesday aimed at the development of next-generation domestic aircraft, including initiatives for eco-friendly aviation technologies.

FOLLOW US