Travel

Japan's holiday season impacted by 7th wave of coronavirus infection

Jul 26 (NHK) - People in Japan are experiencing another surge in coronavirus cases. The 7th wave of infections is hitting the holiday season.

Health authorities reported over 126,000 new cases nationwide on Monday. That's down from last week's record high of more than 200,000. The dip could be due to the fact that fewer tests are processed over weekends.

Infections among medical workers are weighing on the healthcare system, especially in the southern prefecture of Okinawa. More than 100 of the 1,400 staff members at Yuuai Medical Center are unable to work due to the virus. Doctors say the shortage means they have to conduct fewer operations, including those that are urgently needed.

Throughout the country, the surge is hitting public transportation ahead of the peak of the vacation season.

A railway operator in southwestern Japan says staff shortages have forced it to cancel 120 express trains over the next 10 days starting Wednesday.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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