401 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed the Day After Japan's State of Emergency... 'Record High Number of Cases' (Update)

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) increased by 401 in one day. This is the first time that the daily confirmed cases in Japan have exceeded 400.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Japan's Kyodo News reported on the 8th that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan reached 401. This brings the total confirmed cases, including 712 passengers from the cruise ship 'Diamond Princess,' to 5,565.

In Tokyo, the capital of Japan, 144 new confirmed cases were identified in one day. Previously, the record was 143 confirmed cases on the 5th, which has now been surpassed.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency on the previous afternoon for seven regions, including Tokyo Metropolis and Osaka Prefecture.

When a state of emergency is declared, the heads of the respective local governments can request residents to refrain from going out and demand the suspension of various facilities.

Meanwhile, after declaring the state of emergency, Prime Minister Abe said at a press conference, "If I lose consciousness, Deputy Prime Minister Aso will act as interim, and we will respond without any delay."