Japanese health officials are reporting a record number of coronavirus cases for the second day in a row. New cases around the country have topped 70,000 for the first time. A total of 470 people are in a serious condition, up 26 from Tuesday.

More than two-thirds of Japan's 47 prefectures saw record daily infections, including Tokyo. New cases in the capital almost doubled from the same day last week.

The spike comes as the government expands its quasi-emergency measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Restrictions will go into effect in 18 more prefectures on Thursday and are scheduled to last until February 20.

They include asking bars and restaurants to close early and to take alcohol off menus. The measures are intended to stop the medical system from being overwhelmed.

Nearly 43 percent of hospital beds set aside for coronavirus patients in Tokyo are occupied. The metropolitan government has set a threshold of 50 percent before it could request a full state of emergency in the capital.

The government is pressing ahead with the rollout of booster shots mainly for medical workers and the elderly.

About 14.7 million people are eligible for a booster shot by the end of this month. But only around 20 percent have received one so far.

Some local governments are reporting most people prefer the Pfizer vaccine to Moderna.

About 2,000 residents of the city of Tomisato near Tokyo made reservations for a booster in the past week. Around 90 percent of them chose Pfizer.

City officials worry the imbalance could delay the inoculation schedule as they receive the same amount of each vaccine from the government.