Experts Call For High Alert Over Virus In Tokyo

The experts reported that the daily average of newly confirmed cases was 244 during the seven days through Wednesday. This was up sharply from the daily average of 165 for the previous week.

The experts warned that if this rate of increase continues for four more weeks, the new daily figure for cases will come to around 1,160. They call this an extremely serious situation.

They also said the number of positive cases is increasing among those 65 years of age or older, and not just among the younger generations.

The meeting kept the coronavirus alert at the second highest level of the four-point scale, but changed the assessment from "vigilance is needed for a resurgence" to "infections seem to be spreading."

Participants again reminded people of the need to avoid closed, crowded and close-contact settings. They also called for thorough precautions, such as frequent ventilation.

On the availability of medical care, the meeting kept the second highest alert level of the four-point scale. This level means strengthening the system appears necessary.

After the meeting, Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko asked people to be especially careful to take thorough anti-infection measures at what she called a critical juncture.

Koike told reporters that the current alerts are barely staying at the second highest level for both infection situations and medical care availability. She said people must share the determination never to let them go to the highest level.

The governor repeated her calls for people to wash their hands, wear masks, avoid closed, crowded and close-contact settings and carry out frequent ventilation of rooms. She asked them not to forget to disinfect door knobs and tables.