Hokkaido In Focus As Covid - 19 Cases Surge
Officials in Japan reported over 1,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day in a row. In particular, the northern prefecture of Hokkaido is under the spotlight as infections there are surging.
Hokkaido Governor Suzuki Naomichi said, " We are deeply alarmed by this danger. Winter is coming, so this is a crucial time as we work to keep the outbreak in check."
The region recorded 115 infections on Friday, after reaching 100 for the first time the day before. The governor says he's likely to raise the alert level from "two" to "three" on a five-tier scale.
At that level, authorities can ask people to stay home, unless for essential travel. Many bars and restaurants in the heart of Sapporo city will be urged to close early.
An expert is warning the virus could spread again in other parts of the country as it gets colder and drier over winter.
The head of the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases, Tateda Kazuhiro said, " The number of new cases has been more or less stable in Tokyo, but the virus is likely to survive longer in lower temperatures. That may lead to an upward trend in cases."
Nationwide, nearly 107,000 infections have been reported. Over 1,800 people have died.
