Tokyo confirmed 360 new cases of COVID-19 infection on Thursday, its 10th consecutive day reporting over 200, the metropolitan government said, while Osaka, Kanagawa and Chiba reported record-high numbers.
Thursday's figure, which brings the city's total infections to 14,645, again rose beyond the 300 line. Tokyo's daily count had dropped to 263 on Wednesday.
The records outside the capital came as prefectures nationwide brace for the start of the annual Bon holiday period next week, when many people living in urban areas return to their family homes across the nation. Osaka reported 225 cases, exceeding the previous record high of 221 cases on July 29, while Kanagawa logged 110 cases, exceeding the previous record of 89 on Tuesday.
In Chiba Prefecture, health authorities confirmed 76 new infections, a new record for the prefecture.
Okinawa Prefecture reported 73 new cases, bringing its cumulative total to 787. Okinawa's daily count hit a record 83 on Tuesday.
Still, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday reiterated that there is no immediate need to declare another state of emergency despite a recent resurgence in novel coronavirus infections.
