TOKYO (AP) – A new coronavirus infection in Japan hit a record high on Thursday, urging the prime minister to exercise maximum caution but stop calling for a travel or business ban.
The Ministry of Health reported 2,179 new cases, the first time more than 2,000 cases have been reported daily since the outbreak began in Japan. The previous high for new cases was 1,723 on November 14.
Compared to many other countries, Japan has performed well since the onset of the epidemic, with 1,222 deaths, 122,966 infections, and efforts to fight the virus. But in recent cases it has been recorded at the national level and in Tokyo, the country’s largest city, with record highs.
Tokyo’s metropolitan government on Thursday filed 4 53 new cases, a record high, raising the alert level to “red”, the highest of four. Tokyo’s previous record was 493 on Wednesday. Prior to that, Tokyo’s numbers had risen in August Gust during the previous boom.
Spikes across the country, especially in the populous capital and Hokkaido in the north, over the next three-day weekend and before the winter holiday season of travel and parties, experts are concerned. They have called on the authorities to take preventive measures.
Experts from Tokyo’s coronavirus panel called on Thursday to secure more beds for patients with less severe symptoms and hotel rooms before the infection picks up further.
Prime Minister Yoshihid Suga said on Thursday that he had instructed cabinet ministers to make every effort to prevent the spread of the infection and urged them to make full use of the mask. But he said his government would continue to promote tourism and food.
Suga said the “go to eat” meal campaign should be limited to groups of up to four people to support the restaurant and tourism industry. He told people to wear masks while eating, remove them only when they put food in their mouths and put it back immediately when talking quietly.
Suga said, “I tell people to eat peacefully with masks. “I’ll start doing it myself well.”
Experts say the widespread use of Japanese face masks and other common preventive measures, as well as cultural traditions that lack handshakes and kisses, could help ease the country’s case load.
The infection has slowly receded as the government seeks to balance disease prevention and the economy without curbing commercial activities.
Infection clusters are now coming under different conditions, making preventive measures more challenging and reducing economic and social activities, Shigeru Omi, an expert on the top government panel, told a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
Omi said, “It’s time to fight again.
Toshio Nakagawa, president of the Japan Medical Association, urged Tokyo residents to stay home for the weekend.
Economy regeneration minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters late Wednesday evening that service industry groups were improving their safety guidelines in taking preventive measures in restaurants and bars where hazards are considered high.
Government officials are reluctant to return to such businesses when the economy is still struggling. Resurrection matters can also be complicated, as Tokyo hosts the Olympics next summer after being postponed due to an epidemic.
Japan declared a state of emergency in April and May, urging the closure of home construction and businesses. Although many people still roam, picnic in the park and dine at rest restaurants rent or remain open despite requests, a number of cases have been thanked for the move.
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