Japan records highest daily COVID-19 cases for third consecutive day... Emergency declared in Seoul metropolitan area (Comprehensive)

7,101 New Confirmed Cases Reported
State of Emergency Declared in 1 Metropolitan Area and 3 Provinces in the Capital Region

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is seen declaring a state of emergency for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during a press conference in Tokyo on the 7th, as shown on a TV screen. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is rapidly increasing in Japan.

According to the local public broadcaster NHK's tally, as of 6:10 PM on the 7th, 7,101 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed across Japan.

This record marks the highest number for the third consecutive day, following 4,915 cases on the 5th and 6,001 cases on the 6th. The cumulative number of confirmed cases has risen to 267,248.

The number of new cases by region was highest in Tokyo Metropolis with 2,447 cases, followed by Kanagawa Prefecture with 679, Osaka Prefecture with 607, Saitama Prefecture with 460, and Chiba Prefecture with 450.

As confirmed cases surged explosively, the Japanese government announced on the same day that a state of emergency will be declared from the 8th of this month to the 7th of next month for four metropolitan areas including Tokyo.

This is the second time a COVID-19 related state of emergency has been declared in Japan based on the "Special Measures Act on New Influenza, etc." since the first confirmed case last January. During former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration, on April 7 of this year, a state of emergency related to COVID-19 was first declared in seven metropolitan areas including Tokyo and Osaka, where many cases were reported. It was then expanded nationwide but lifted entirely on May 25.

Residents in areas where the state of emergency is declared must refrain from going out upon the request and instructions of the metropolitan governors. Additionally, various businesses such as restaurants will be required to shorten their operating hours.

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