Japan Tokyo records 293 new COVID-19 cases... Another 'All-Time High' Record Updated

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] In Tokyo, Japan, the number of new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is breaking daily records.

According to NHK Broadcasting, on the 17th, Tokyo reported 293 new COVID-19 cases. This is the highest number of new daily cases recorded since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Japan, surpassing the previous record of 286 new cases in Tokyo set the day before.

The cumulative number of confirmed cases in Tokyo has reached 9,000. Of these, approximately 1,420 patients were diagnosed in Tokyo in the past week alone. Nationwide, Japan reported 623 new cases the previous day. As of the previous day, the total number of confirmed cases in Japan stands at 24,370.

The Japanese government has not reissued a state of emergency despite the rapid increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases. Considering the economic situation, it has decided to proceed with the so-called 'Go To Travel' campaign to stimulate the depressed tourism industry.

Facing a flood of criticism for this hasty decision, Tokyo was excluded from the target areas, but there are also sharp increases in cases in other major metropolitan areas around Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture, leading to criticism that the criteria are unclear. Tourist destinations across Japan have shown renewed expectations but also expressed concerns due to the spread of COVID-19.

Kazuyoshi Akaba, Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, stated, "We will continue to monitor the infection situation and appropriately review the timing of the campaign's start based on the opinions of infection experts and the government's overall policies," and requested travel agencies to refrain from organizing group trips for youth and elderly groups.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.