Japan's capital reports 165 new COVID-19 cases, raises warning to highest level

Japan's Tokyo metropolitan government on Wednesday raised its warning level for the spread of the COVID-19 from three to its highest level of four, stating that the virus continues to be spreading.

Tokyo confirmed 165 new cases of coronavirus infections on Wedensday, remaining below 200 for the third straight day, although the number of daily cases has topped 100 since July 2, with the latest daily infection tally marking the seventh straight day of three digit cases.

Up until July 12, the capital of 14 million people saw cases surpass 200 for four straight days, with untraceable cases, of most concern to officials, doubling in the July 8 to 14 period from a week earlier.

In general, the number of infections in the capital has been increasing since the state of emergency was completely lifted on May 25.

On Wednesday, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said the current situation is quite grave.

Tokyo has witnessed a rise in group infections at downtown nighttime entertainment establishments and other clusters of infections at a theater, welfare centers as well as nurseries.

The central government said it is considering issuing business suspension requests to nightspots not adhering to virus prevention measures and may rollback its easing of the number of people allowed to attend large events, including sports and concerts, from 5,000 spectators.

These measures are amid concerns that infections in the capital could spread to other prefectures.

Tokyo's neighboring prefectures of Saitama and Kanagawa have also recorded an increase in COVID-19 cases, commensurate with the capital's rise in infections.

Japan is also dealing with rising numbers of COVID-19 infections on US military bases in Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa.

On Wednesday, a US Marine Corps base confirmed an additional 36 COVID-19 infections, according to the Okinawa prefectural government.

Amid concerns of infections being passed on to local residents from the US military and related personnel, Japan has officially urged the United States to take measures to prevent the further spread of cases on its bases in Okinawa.