Society

Japan's new coronavirus cases continue to surge

Jan 17 (NHK) - Japan continues to face a surge in new coronavirus cases across the country. Officials are speeding up booster shots to stem the outbreak.

Authorities confirmed more than 25,000 new cases across the country on Sunday. The daily total is approaching the record high set last August, during Japan's fifth wave of infection.

Tokyo reported more than 4,100 new cases. The figure more than tripled in just a week, and has exceeded 4,000 for three days in a row.

The western prefecture of Osaka confirmed over 3,700 cases, hitting a record high for two straight days.

Local authorities are now rolling out booster shots.

In Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, a large-scale vaccination site was set up to inoculate people working in medical and eldercare facilities.

Gunma Prefecture official Kurita Tomoaki says "We are seeing a surge in cases, especially breakthrough infections among vaccinated people. We definitely want people to consider getting third shots".

The prefecture plans to vaccinate up to 8,000 people per day.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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