TOKYO, Nov 21 (NNN-NHK) – Japan yesterday reported 2,414 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, renewing the daily infection record for a third consecutive day.
According to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities, Japan’s total tally rose to 128,344, not including those connected to the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined near Tokyo earlier in the year.
In Tokyo, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, 522 new COVID-19 cases were reported yesterday, exceeding the 500-mark for a second consecutive day, bringing its cumulative total to 36,778, the highest among the country’s 47 prefectures.
The Tokyo metropolitan government, on Thursday, raised its virus alert by one notch, to the highest level, meaning “infections are spreading.”
Meanwhile, Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, logged a record-high of 304 new cases, topping 300 for the first time.
Currently, the national death toll stands at 1,976, with eight new fatalities announced yesterday. The death toll includes 13 from the Diamond Princess.
The health ministry also said, there are currently 291 patients considered severely ill, with the use of ventilators or being held in intensive care units.
Amid the resurgence of infections, some doctors requested the government to suspend the “Go To Travel” subsidy campaign, which aims to revive domestic tourism.
However, Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, said that, he has no plans to scrap the campaign for now. “We have been reviewing the programme by listening to opinions of experts and businesses involved. We will continue to operate it appropriately,” he said.– NNN-NHK
