Covid puts Japan on ‘maximum alert’

Tokyo – Japan is on “maximum alert” after logging a record number of daily coronavirus infections, its prime minister said yesterday, though no immediate restrictions are planned.

The comments came as Tokyo raised its alert level to the top of its four-tier system, with local media saying the capital would report a record number of infections for a second day running.

More than 2 000 cases were recorded nationwide on Wednesday, with nearly 500 in Tokyo.

While these figures are comparatively low globally speaking, they represent a sharp rise in cases for Japan, where testing is often less widespread than in other parts of the world.

“We are now in a situation of maximum alert,” Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters.

“I ask you, the Japanese people, to fully implement principles such as wearing masks,” Suga added.

He urged people to wear masks even while talking during meals in restaurants.

The country has taken a relatively relaxed approach to virus restrictions so far – even a nationwide state of emergency in the spring carried no obligation for businesses to close or for people to stay home.

National broadcaster NHK said Suga had asked expert advisors to meet yesterday and today to examine the growing number of infections, before the government brings in any new measures. –