Japan confirms 1,512 new coronavirus infections

Japan Today -- Aug 02

Japan confirmed on Saturday 1,512 new coronavirus infections, topping the 1,000 mark for the fourth straight day, as authorities in large cities have been forced to reimpose restrictions on some businesses to address the resurgence of the virus.

In Tokyo, an additional 472 cases were reported, a record daily increase for the third straight day, following 463 logged Friday.

Of the total, 324, or 69 percent, are in their 20s and 30s, health officials said.

The national cumulative total now stands at more than 38,551. The death toll stands at 1,026. No deaths were reported on Saturday.

The daily figures announced by local governments reflect the most recent totals reported by health authorities and medical institutions in Japan.

Tokyo had raised its alert for the pandemic in mid-July to the highest of the four levels, meaning "infections are spreading."

Gov Yuriko Koike warned Friday that Tokyo may declare an emergency for the capital, although the Japanese government fully lifted a state of emergency in late May.