Nov 12 (NHK) - The coronavirus continues to spread across Japan with Tokyo reporting 317 new cases on Wednesday. This marks the first time since late August that the capital's daily tally has exceeded 300.
New cases have topped 100 for the ninth day in a row. So far, more than 33,000 people have tested positive in the metropolis.
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko said, "The infection is spreading in all age groups. We want all residents to act prudently to protect elderly people and prevent people from falling seriously ill."
The western prefecture of Osaka registered a record 256 new cases.
Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi said, "The daily figure in Osaka is steadily on the rise. That means we are facing a third wave of infections."
Hokkaido is facing a surge in infections as cold weather sets in. The northern prefecture's daily figure has topped 100 for seven consecutive days.
Nursing care facilities are stepping up anti-virus measures. This elderly care home installed sinks at all entrances for hand-washing.
Aoki Masaharu, a nursing care home manager, said, "Elderly people face a higher risk, and many of them have pre-existing conditions. We are worried what would happen if they contract the virus."
Health Ministry officials say the rising number of cases could take a toll on the medical system in six prefectures.
This hospital in Tokyo has 40 beds for COVID-19 patients, and they are gradually filling up.
Experts are calling on the government to monitor the regional spread of infection and take necessary precautions as early as possible ahead of winter.
Nakagawa Toshio, President of Japan Medical Association, said, "Social and economic activities will gradually step up, and international travel will increase. In winter, influenza could spread, and people have a long holiday over the year-end and new year.
Over 112,000 cases have been confirmed in Japan and more than 1,800 people have died.
