On Thursday, the number of new coronavirus cases in the capital of Japan surpassed 30,000 for the first time since the pandemic started, setting a peak that prompted officials to urge further monitoring.
A previous peak in February was considerably exceeded by Tokyo’s 31,878 new infections, and many other regions also recorded highs. A record number of 186,229 new illnesses were reported nationwide on Thursday.
Officials warned hospitals were beginning to feel the pressure from growing numbers despite few catastrophic illnesses and fatalities.
“We need to keep a close eye on the infection situation, including the issue of access to medical services, with the highest vigilance,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a regular news conference.
Officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have not demanded further coronavirus limitations despite the spike. Most stores still demand masks, and nearly all Japanese people still wear them.