Japan reported more than 12,000 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, topping the 10,000 threshold for seven straight days, NHK reported, as infections nationwide remain at record levels a day after the conclusion of the 2020 Olympics.
Tokyo reported 2,884 new cases Monday, dipping below 3,000 for the first time in a week, while neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture saw a single-day record 2,166 infections. Saitama and Chiba prefectures, which also neighbor Tokyo, reported 1,160 and 952 cases, respectively. Osaka Prefecture, meanwhile, saw 995 cases.
The daily number of newly confirmed cases in the capital came a day after 14,472 new infections were reported nationwide, exceeding 10,000 for the sixth straight day.
The seven-day average of new infections in the capital came to 4,135.4, up from 3,214.4 a week before, according to the metropolitan government, while the number of severely ill COVID-19 patients under the capital’s criteria rose by six from the previous day to 157. The metropolitan government also reported three deaths linked to the coronavirus.
Elsewhere, Okinawa Prefecture confirmed 332 cases, Hokkaido saw 310 and Hyogo Prefecture reported 275.
The capital has been under a state of emergency since July 12, but Monday’s tally in Tokyo suggests that the measure has been ineffective at preventing the spread of the more virulent delta variant.
Critics say the Tokyo Olympics, which were held from July 23 through Sunday, may have also undermined public messaging, creating a celebratory atmosphere in which people were more likely to go outdoors and meet others despite authorities’ calls for people to stay home and avoid contact with others.
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.
By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
