Japan's COVID-19 Cases Slow Increase... Under 10,000 for Three Consecutive Days

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The rate of increase in new COVID-19 cases in Japan has noticeably slowed down.

On the 12th, the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 infections across Japan was recorded at 7,213 (as of 7:30 PM), including 1,067 in Tokyo. For the third consecutive day, the number of new cases remained below 10,000.

Compared to the same Sunday, this is the lowest number in seven weeks since July 25, right after the Tokyo Olympics opening (5,020 cases). Compared to the peak of this fourth wave on the 20th of last month, the number has sharply decreased by about 70% in 23 days. As of this day, Japan's cumulative infections have exceeded 1.64 million, and deaths increased by 41 in one day, reaching 16,818. The number of severe patients nationwide, which puts a burden on medical institutions, stands at 2,010, down by 47 compared to the previous day.

The slowdown in the increase of new infections in Japan is analyzed to be due to the rise in vaccination rates. Yastoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economic Revitalization in charge of COVID-19 measures, stated on NHK's "Sunday Debate" program that "the proportion of the population who have completed two doses has exceeded 50%," and that by the end of this month, it will surpass 60%, reaching a level similar to that of the UK or France. The Japanese government plans to complete the second dose for all who wish to be vaccinated by November.

Although the spread of new infections has shown signs of slowing, considering the continued pressure on medical institutions, the Japanese government extended the state of emergency in 19 metropolitan areas, including Tokyo and Osaka, which was set to expire on this day, until the end of this month.

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