Authorities in Tokyo reported a record spike in the number of coronavirus infections on Wednesday. The 41 new cases was more than double the previous high.
Governor Yuriko Koike held an emergency news conference and called on residents to refrain from non-essential outings this weekend. It's a voluntary measure for now. But with cities around the world on enforced lockdowns, people in Tokyo are wondering if their city will be next.
Authorities in Tokyo have confirmed over 200 cases to date, and 41 of them came in a single day.
Dr. Norio Ohmagari, the director of Disease Control and Prevention Center, says it isn't just the spike in number that's worrying. It's also that authorities can't trace the route of infection for at least 10 of the new cases.
If the routes become unclear, there is a greater risk of a hidden growth of infections. And experts warn that could lead to an explosive surge in the number of cases.
Tokyo traditionally gets an influx of people from around the country at this time of year. Young people come to the capital to begin new jobs or attend new schools.
Governor Koike says she's concerned that young people who haven't developed symptoms don't know they are infected. She's asking schools to delay the start of the new year.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike called on people to work from home on weekdays as much as possible and refrain from going out in the evening.
Koike said Tokyo is "now at a critical juncture" and appealed to residents to grasp the gravity of the situation and work from home as much as possible. She also called on people to refrain from going out in the evening and this weekend.
The governor has already said the capital may have to take extreme measures. On Monday she suggested a lockdown was possible if the virus spreads further.
Dr. Kazuhiro Tateda, an expert in infectious diseases, says there could be a surge in cases in the next couple weeks, and the situation in Tokyo may become similar to that of Italy and France. He said Japan's capital is in an extremely dangerous situation.
Governor Yuriko Koike held an emergency news conference and called on residents to refrain from non-essential outings this weekend. It's a voluntary measure for now. But with cities around the world on enforced lockdowns, people in Tokyo are wondering if their city will be next.
Authorities in Tokyo have confirmed over 200 cases to date, and 41 of them came in a single day.
Dr. Norio Ohmagari, the director of Disease Control and Prevention Center, says it isn't just the spike in number that's worrying. It's also that authorities can't trace the route of infection for at least 10 of the new cases.
If the routes become unclear, there is a greater risk of a hidden growth of infections. And experts warn that could lead to an explosive surge in the number of cases.
Tokyo traditionally gets an influx of people from around the country at this time of year. Young people come to the capital to begin new jobs or attend new schools.
Governor Koike says she's concerned that young people who haven't developed symptoms don't know they are infected. She's asking schools to delay the start of the new year.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike called on people to work from home on weekdays as much as possible and refrain from going out in the evening.
Koike said Tokyo is "now at a critical juncture" and appealed to residents to grasp the gravity of the situation and work from home as much as possible. She also called on people to refrain from going out in the evening and this weekend.
The governor has already said the capital may have to take extreme measures. On Monday she suggested a lockdown was possible if the virus spreads further.
Dr. Kazuhiro Tateda, an expert in infectious diseases, says there could be a surge in cases in the next couple weeks, and the situation in Tokyo may become similar to that of Italy and France. He said Japan's capital is in an extremely dangerous situation.
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Summary
Tokyo reported a record spike of 41 new coronavirus cases, surpassing previous highs. Governor Yuriko Koike expressed concern about the inability to trace infection routes for at least 10 new cases, warning of potential hidden growth leading to an explosive surge in cases. Young people starting
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ID: 6333e8ff-32f8-4ba8-8d0d-20a6c0a80b98
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/990/
Created: 2022/09/28 15:26
Updated: 2025/12/09 13:18
Last Read: 2022/09/28 15:26