Tokyo Reports 311 New Infection Cases
Japanese public health officials are battling a rise in coronavirus cases. They say 311 new infections were confirmed in the metropolis on Monday.
The officials say 70 people are now in serious condition. That's the highest figure since a nationwide state of emergency was lifted in late May.
Last week, the Japanese government said the next three weeks are crucial in containing the virus.
Over the weekend, IT firm Agoop said foot traffic in central Tokyo remained unchanged from a week earlier. That's based on an analysis of mobile phone data gathered with the users' consent.
But there were far fewer visitors at tourist spots outside the capital, compared to the November 23rd long weekend.
The number of people was down 38 percent in Yokohama's Chinatown, south of Tokyo.
People are also getting prepared for the new year holiday season.
A Shinto shrine near Tokyo is selling New Year's lucky charms earlier than usual.
Endo Tanenari of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa-jinja Shrine said, "We can't allow any infections from our shrine. So I want people to visit between December and February so we don't see crowds over new year's."
Officials reported 1,425 new cases across the country on Monday. More than 149,000 people in Japan have been infected since the pandemic began. Over 2,100 people have died.
