Japan's western prefecture of Osaka has broken another daily record. It reported over 1,000 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, marking a four-digit count for the first time.

Authorities confirmed 1,099 new cases, a rapid surge from only 38 cases about a month ago.

The situation is straining the area's medical care system. More than 90 percent of immediately available hospital beds for seriously ill patients are occupied.

The strain has affected treatment for people with light or medium symptoms. This Osaka Gyoumeikan Hospital has 17 beds for such patients.

Last week, one patient's condition turned serious but a transfer couldn't be arranged for four days. The hospital has no choice but to halt acceptance of new patients.

Officials in the prefecture say the situation is extremely critical and unprecedented. They decided to hold an emergency task force meeting on Wednesday to decide on new anti-infection measures.

Meanwhile in Tokyo, officials are on alert against the spread of a contagious new variant with the N501Y mutation.

Officials confirmed a record high 80 cases of infection with that variant strain on Tuesday.

Nationwide, over 3,400 new cases were reported, and more than 40 people died.

Source: ANNnewsCH