NHK has learned that the number of elderly people found to be infected with the coronavirus has nearly doubled in Tokyo from the figure in August, when Japan was hit by the second wave of infection.
During the summer, the virus was found mainly in young people. But recently it has also spread among older people.
On Wednesday, 103 people aged 65 or older were confirmed to be infected with the virus in the Japanese capital. This is the first time the daily count among that age group has topped 100. Elderly people have higher risks of developing severe symptoms.
Officials at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government say 1,348 people in that cohort tested positive in the capital in November. That is about 80 percent higher than the number for August.
According to NHK's calculations, the rate of elderly infections among all cases was 9 percent in August, 13.7 percent in November and 15.7 percent in December as of Wednesday.
Tokyo officials say many of those infections occurred at medical institutions, welfare facilities and homes. They also cite infections during trips or dining at restaurants.
The officials are calling on the elderly to refrain from nonessential outings and observe anti-infection steps at home.
