Experts: Infections Could Rebound In Tokyo
Japanese experts are warning of a possible resurgence of coronavirus infections in Tokyo, citing recent week-on-week increases in case numbers.
The experts advising the Tokyo Metropolitan Government decided at a meeting on Thursday to maintain the alert for the infection situation and the healthcare system in the capital at the highest level on a four-point scale.
The experts said that as of Wednesday, the daily average for the past week was 418, up 11 percent from a week earlier.
The week-on-week increase ratio had remained below 100 percent earlier this month. The figure was 80 percent two weeks ago and 97 percent last week. It rose to 111 percent this week.
The experts pointed to a third wave of infections that was seen during the yearend and New Year holidays. The seven-day average remained around 400 cases for about three weeks before the virus began to spread explosively.
They warn that more transmissible variants could speed up the spread of infections. They are also stressing the need for strict measures to suppress the flow of people.
On Wednesday, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 1,301 hospitalized patients and 44 with severe symptoms.
The experts say medical institutions are overwhelmed after treating COVID-19 patients for more than one year and many of their staff are now working to vaccinate people.
The experts warn that a surge in new patients would put an additional strain on medical institutions.
Tokyo officials confirmed 570 new cases on Thursday. The number is up 118 from last Thursday, marking a week-on-week increase for the fifth consecutive day.