Society

Japan's daily coronavirus cases remain high ahead of holiday peak

Aug 06 (Kyodo) - Japan's daily number of confirmed coronavirus cases on Wednesday topped 1,300, remaining at high levels ahead of next week's summer holiday peak, with health authorities calling on people to be cautious when they travel to their hometowns and elsewhere.

Tokyo reported 263 new cases of the novel coronavirus, amid the continued resurgence of infections in August. Average daily new infections over the week through Wednesday stood at 346.3, according to the metropolitan government.

People wearing face masks due to the novel coronavirus pandemic walk in Tokyo's Shibuya district with parasols amid scorching summer heat on Aug. 5, 2020. (Kyodo)

The single-day figure, down from Tuesday's 309, brought Tokyo's cumulative total to 14,285. The capital, which has a population of nearly 14 million and has the highest number of infections in the country, saw a record of 472 reported Saturday.

The city government has raised its alert for the pandemic to the highest of four levels, meaning "infections are spreading," requesting that karaoke venues and establishments serving alcohol close by 10 p.m. through the end of August.

It said the number of patients in serious condition due to the virus stood at 21, down one from Tuesday.

The daily figures reflect the most recent totals reported by health authorities and medical institutions.

With Japan's Bon holiday season beginning next week, there are concerns that the movement of people will further spread the virus.

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