Japan's New COVID-19 Cases Remain in the 4,000s for 5 Days... Spread Shows No Sign of Slowing Down

Possible Disruptions in Preparation for the Tokyo Olympics

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The spread of COVID-19 in Japan shows no signs of slowing down. Concerns are rising that preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to open this July, may face setbacks.

According to NHK's tally on the 18th, the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases across Japan reached 4,093 (as of 6:30 PM), marking the fifth consecutive day with cases in the 4,000 range.

This is the highest number in 13 weeks since January 17, when a state of emergency was in effect in 11 regions including Tokyo, with 5,760 cases reported that day.

By major regions, the capital Tokyo has exceeded 500 cases for the sixth consecutive day.

In Osaka Prefecture, where variant viruses have spread, a record high of 1,220 new cases was reported, surpassing Tokyo's numbers for 20 consecutive days. Similar to Tokyo, Osaka is under "Priority Measures to Prevent Spread," which is equivalent to a state of emergency.

The trend of case occurrences in these two regions suggests that the priority measures are not functioning effectively as infection control strategies.

Therefore, if the upward trend in confirmed cases continues in areas under priority measures, re-declaration of a state of emergency seems inevitable.

Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, who visited the United States for a summit with President Joe Biden and returned via a chartered flight through Haneda Airport this afternoon, was briefed on the COVID-19 situation immediately upon arriving at the official residence.

Meanwhile, as of today, Japan's cumulative COVID-19 cases total 535,708, with 9,662 deaths.