TOKYO, Aug 23 (NNN-NHK) – The confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan increased by 984, to reach 62,046 as of last night, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities.
The figure excludes the 712 cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama.
The death toll currently stands at 1,193, with five new fatalities announced yesterday. The death toll includes 13 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
The health ministry also said, there are currently 243 patients considered severely ill with ventilators or in intensive care units.
In Tokyo, the epicentre of Japan’s outbreak, 256 new cases were reported, exceeding 200 for the third straight day, with the capital’s cumulative total reaching 19,121, the highest among Japan’s 47 prefectures.
The metropolitan government described the situation in the capital of 14 million as “extremely severe” and said, utmost caution is still required.
According to Japan’s coronavirus task forces, the resurgence of the virus, which began in the country in June, has already hit its peak in late July.
However, it warned that the surging trend could start again, citing high numbers of new cases are still reported in some urban areas, and that more people travelled across the country, during this month’s Bon Festival period.– NNN-NHK
