Tokyo records 124 new coronavirus cases, national tally at 19,068

The latest rise began in late June, weeks after Japan lifted a state of emergency that allowed Tokyo to gradually return to business.
People wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk through a shopping street in Tokyo. (Photo | AP)
People wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk through a shopping street in Tokyo. (Photo | AP)

TOKYO: Japan's capital has reported 124 new coronavirus cases, exceeding 100 for the second straight day, as the governor asked residents to stay away from night spots linked to half of all infections.

Governor Yuriko Koike said the increase reflected a larger number of people proactively taking tests, but she did raise concern about a significant number of untraceable cases.

She says, "We need to raise our caution against the further spread of the infections and to prepare for a second wave."

 The latest rise began in late June, weeks after Japan lifted a state of emergency that allowed Tokyo to gradually return to business.

Koike said the majority of recent cases were younger people in their 20s and 30s linked to nightlife establishments.

She urged them to avoid such spots or choose places with adequate safety measures.

Koike said closing businesses is a possibility if another emergency is declared, but it would apply to specific establishments or districts instead of the entire prefecture.

Japan has had 19,068 cases with 976 deaths.

Tokyo accounts for about a third of the total.

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The New Indian Express
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