Correspondent
Osaka s governor is warning that a surge of coronavirus infections is pushing the prefecture s hospitals to crisis point. There have been more than 1,000 new cases for three days in a row - accounting for a quarter of the nation s daily tally.
Osaka is among six prefectures that recently tightened coronavirus prevention measures, yet infection numbers continue to rise.
Juso Hospital, one of the largest facilities in the prefecture, has a dedicated coronavirus ward with 70 beds for patients. As of Thursday, 58 were occupied. The facility is designed for patients with moderate symptoms, but is accommodating some with more serious symptoms who couldn t find beds elsewhere.
Japan Puts Osaka, 2 Other Areas Under Virus Semi-Emergency thediplomat.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thediplomat.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Japan to keep state of emergency in place The Japanese government plans to keep a coronavirus state of emergency in place for Tokyo, Osaka, and eight other prefectures in light of high bed occupancy rates at hospitals.
The government decided last week to extend the state of emergency for the 10 prefectures until March 7. Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said he was prepared to end it sooner if circumstances improved.
The health ministry s panel of experts on the coronavirus looked into the situations in the 10 prefectures on Thursday. Panel member Okabe Nobuhiko then briefed Prime Minister Suga.
Okabe later told reporters that he had briefed Suga on what was discussed at the meeting, including the downward trend in new cases and the ongoing strain on medical resources. He said Suga appeared delighted that the situation is improving. But he said Suga is worried about people becoming complacent.
The Japanese government is leaning toward the view that it will be difficult to lift the state of emergency for the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Kansai region for the time being. This is in light of the coronavirus infection situation and governors' opinions.