Japan reported 261,029 coronavirus cases on Friday, hitting a new record for the second straight day. Nineteen of Japan's 47 prefectures logged their highest daily tallies.

There were nearly 300 deaths. More than 600 people are seriously ill.

In Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, there are frequent delays for ambulances due to a surge in demand. Hospital bed capacity is also under pressure.

One official says ambulances have to stay on site because hospitals aren't accepting patients.

The bed occupancy rate for COVID patients has surpassed 100 percent at one hospital on Okinawa's main island.

Cases have been declining in Tokyo and other urban areas, but infections are spreading elsewhere.

Toho University Professor Tateda Kazuhiro says the situation could worsen because there are currently no strict restrictions on everyday activities.

Tateda says cases will likely rise in urban areas now that people are returning from the summer holidays and children return to school.