Japan reported 2,395 new coronavirus cases and an additional 54 deaths on Monday, according to a statement from the country’s Ministry of Health.
Of these, 481 were in the capital, Tokyo, where the total number of people infected with the virus since the start of the pandemic is 57,040.
It is the highest number of cases recorded in Tokyo on a Monday since the pandemic began. Japan usually records tiny figures on Mondays, as many medical facilities are closed on weekends.
The total number of confirmed cases nationwide in Japan is already 223,832, while the number of deaths has reached 3,319.
Although the latest national figures are down from the daily maximum on Friday, the Ministry of Health said on Monday 661 patients were in serious condition, two more than the day before.
Prime Minister’s commitment: At a meeting of the government’s coronavirus working group on Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged to make sure health care services are available to deal with Covid-19 infections over the holidays end of year and New Year.
“There is no vacation for the (virus),” he said.