Weekly Average Infection Count Rises In Most Of Japan's Prefectures
The weekly average coronavirus case count in Japan has marked its first increase in about a month and a half.
NHK analyzed the changes in the seven-day average number based on data released by local authorities.
The national average had gradually fallen for six weeks in a row.
But the average for the seven-day period through Thursday was 117 percent of that for the previous week.
The average daily tally stood at 45,345. That's up more than 6,500 from the previous week.
The weekly average remained flat or increased in 44 of the country's 47 prefectures. They include most regions where quasi-emergency measures were in place until March 21.
Professor Hamada Atsuo of the Tokyo Medical University says it seems a rebound in cases has started, although he needs to keep monitoring the situation for another week.
He also says signs of a rebound have emerged after the quasi-emergency measures were lifted and the more transmissible BA.2 Omicron sub-variant is becoming prevalent.
He adds that the key to end the current sixth wave of infection and prevent the next one is to ensure that people keep taking anti-infection measures and get vaccinated.