On Wednesday, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Tokyo surpassed 20,000 for the first time, lowering the hopes of many that wished to travel after an Omicron-fueled wave of infections in Japan might just be the beginning.
According to a calculation by online news agency JX Press, nationwide cases hit a record 91,760, with 18 prefectures recording all-time highs.
On Friday, Tokyo recorded 21,576 new cases, breaking the previous high of 17,631 in the Japanese city.
Tokyo has reserved about 7,000 hospital beds for COVID patients, and admissions have increased dramatically this month, hitting 50.7 percent on Tuesday. There were 14,445 new infections.
Governor Yuriko Koike stated that getting an emergency declaration from the national government would need 50 percent bed occupancy.
Zero Covid Policy
Many countries still believed in the zero covid policy such as Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The borders are still as tight as ever for the above countries.
Previously there was an appeal to the Japanese government to relax these measures as family members wishes to visit, but it was turned a blind eye.
Experts believed that the surge is expected and it is unlikely to ease anytime soon.
Previously, the country announced an emergency precautionary measure from a preventive perspective, new entry of foreign nationals is suspended. This measure will remain in effect at least until the end of February.