Japanese authorities reported more than 2,700 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. That's a record daily tally. The healthcare system is threatening to buckle under the weight of the spike.
Medical teams from the Self-Defense Forces have begun assisting frontline workers at two facilities in the country's north hit with cluster infections.
Japanese officials are looking at how to respond to the coronavirus, which is now rapidly spreading through parts of the country. Officials confirmed more than 2,400 infections on Friday -- the highest daily tally ever.
Five prefectures, including Osaka, also broke records, prompting governors to raise the alarm. Many are pointing to the risk of eating out. Officials in the western prefecture are asking residents to eat in smaller groups and for shorter periods of time.