TOKYO, Apr 5 (NNN-NHK) – The confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan increased by 2,471 to reach 485,775 as of last night, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities.
The death toll from the pneumonia-causing virus currently stands at 9,249, with 12 new fatalities announced yesterday.
The health ministry also said, there are 431 patients considered severely ill with ventilators or in intensive care units.
In Osaka, Miyagi and Hyogo prefectures, where stricter anti-virus measures will be implemented from today for one month, to tackle a resurgence of infections, under a revised law, new infections increased by 593, 80 and 211 cases, respectively.
The stronger measures that can be taken by the three prefectures include imposing fines on bars and restaurants that ignore orders to shorten their operating hours.
Businesses will also be urged to promote remote working for their employees, and large spectator events will also have the numbers of attendees capped at 5,000.
As for the capital, Tokyo, 355 new cases were reported yesterday, with the cumulative total reaching 122,702, the highest among the country’s 47 prefectures.
Yesterday, the National Governors’ Association held an online meeting, urging the central government to take stronger measures to tackle the nationwide spread of the virus variants, as well as, a spate of cluster infections recently.– NNN-NHK
