Tokyo daily COVID cases hit record high
pharmafile | July 27, 2021 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications |
On Tuesday Tokyo reported 2,848 daily coronavirus infections, the city’s highest rate since the pandemic began.
The new infection record beats the previous record of 2,520 cases from 7 January and was double Monday’s figure of 1,429, which itself was almost double the number on the same day a week earlier.
Local media outlets have reported that authorities have asked hospitals to prepare more beds for patients, as hospitalisation rates titre on the edge of triggering a state of emergency declaration for the area.
Tuesday’s figure also marked the eighth day in a row that Tokyo has recorded more than 1,000 reported cases. Other prefectures outside the capital have reported record levels of infections in recent days.
On Sunday 20.8% of the Japanese capital’s 12,635 COVID-19 patients had been hospitalised. A government advisory panel sees rates of less than 25% as a trigger to consider imposition of a state of emergency.
Only 36% of the Japanese population have received at least one dose of a vaccine, with less than 25% being fully inoculated, and experts warn that seasonal factors, increased mobility, and the spread of variants would lead to a rebound in COVID-19 cases this summer.
As hospitals admit more patients, Tokyo aims to boost the number of beds to 6,406 by early next month from 5,967 now, broadcaster TBS said.
Hospitals should look at pushing back planned surgery and scaling down other treatments, the broadcaster said, citing a notice to medical institutions from city authorities.
The Japanese public had protested the Olympic Games, calling for them to be postponed again or cancelled, fearing the influx of athletes and officials could fuel the surge. Despite tight quarantine rules for the Games, 155 cases have emerged involving athletes and others.
Several athletes have had to withdraw from their fixtures after becoming infected and organisers have decided to bar spectators from most venues as a COVID precaution. Medals are presented on a tray due to COVID protocols and judges, coaches and other officials must wear masks.
Kat Jenkins
