Tokyo emerges as virus hotspot with rising cases

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - Tokyo is emerging as a new virus hotspot with new cases on the rise.

Local authorities in the Japanese capital on Thursday recorded 367 new coronavirus cases -- the highest single-day figure so far, Kyodo News agency reported.

Authorities have warned that the resurgence of the infection has "begun to expand beyond the capital".

Of over 12,000 infections reported in the city, half were reported this month.

Japan has reported 34,500 cases nationwide and a total of 1,019 deaths due to COVID-19.

Tokyo Metropolitan is also mulling shortening opening hours of restaurants and karaoke parlors to stem the spread of the virus.

Japan has conducted 648,773 tests to determine the infections.

Since first appearing in China last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 188 countries and regions. The US, Brazil, India, and Russia are currently the countries hardest hit in the world.

The pandemic has killed more than 664,950 people worldwide, with 17 million confirmed cases, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University. Just under 10 million people have recovered from the disease.