In recent days, a growing number of people in eastern Japan have been testing positive for COVID-19.
The pace of the increase has been accelerating.
Experts are warning that this indicates an eighth wave is approaching.

The number of new COVID infections has increased week-on-week in all 47 prefectures.
The increases have been sharper in eastern Japan.

The average increase rates week-on-week through Monday stood at 72 percent in Miyagi Prefecture; and 53 percent in Tokyo.

Toho University Professor Tateda Kazuhiro, who is a member of the government's coronavirus advisory panel, says the number of positive cases dropped temporarily, but the latest figures in Tokyo show a rise of 30 percent.
He says that based on data from the past, the number of positive test results increases before the start of a new wave of infections.
He says the latest figures are a clear sign that an eighth wave is approaching.