Cases Continue To Rise In Japan
Coronavirus infections are continuing to increase in Japan. There were more than 700 new cases on Friday, including 260 in Tokyo.
It's the fourth straight day that the figure has topped 200, and the 16th consecutive day with cases in the triple digits.
On Thursday, a record high 366 infections were reported in the metropolis, and the total number of confirmed cases has now surpassed 10,600.
In western Japan, Osaka Prefecture reported a record 149 infections. It's the third consecutive day the prefecture has seen over 100 new cases.
Aichi Prefecture in central Japan reported 63 new infections. On Thursday, the prefecture reported a record 97 cases.
Prime Minister Abe Shinzo referred to the recent spike in infections as Japan observes a long weekend.
Abe says " We once again ask everyone to take thorough preventive measures to help stem the spread of the virus during the 4-day holiday. That means avoiding close contact with others as well as refraining from speaking loudly in public."
Across the country, the total figure has exceeded 29,000 cases. That includes over 700 people who were on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked near Tokyo early in the crisis. The death toll has now reached over 1,000, including 13 on the cruise ship.
