Japan COVID-19 Cases Reach 99,695... Second Highest Since Pandemic Began

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 10th, Japan recorded 99,695 new COVID-19 cases, the second highest number since the pandemic began.

According to the local public broadcaster NHK's tally, as of 6:30 PM that day, 99,695 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed across Japan. This is the second highest record following 105,625 cases on the 5th.

The average daily number of cases from the 3rd to the 9th of this month was 92,767, a 13% increase compared to the previous week (81,809 cases).

The number of COVID-19 deaths on that day was 164. The average daily deaths over the past week also surged 123% to 116, compared to 52 in the previous week.

At the COVID-19 task force meeting held that evening, the Japanese government decided to extend the application period of the "Priority Measures to Prevent the Spread" emergency measures in 13 metropolitan areas including Tokyo from the 12th of this month to the 6th of next month, extending it by three weeks.

Additionally, by adding Kochi Prefecture to the areas under the priority measures, the number of prefectures (metropolitan areas) among Japan's 47 that are subject to restrictions such as shortened restaurant operating hours and alcohol service limitations increased to 36.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated at the task force meeting, "The number of infections continues to rise, and there is a risk that severe cases will also increase. It is not yet a situation to be complacent about," and instructed cabinet members to respond with vigilance.

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