Japan's COVID-19 infections rise by 920 to 28,190

The number of COVID-19 cases in Japan increased by 920 to reach 28,190 on Thursday amid a resurgence of infections across the country, according to Japan's health ministry and local governments.

   The number of daily new infections hit a record high, exceeding 900 for the first time as six prefectures reported their highest number of daily new cases.

   The total number of infections excludes 712 from the virus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama earlier in the year.

   The Tokyo metropolitan government confirmed 366 new cases of infections on Thursday, marking a new record high which surpassed 300 for the first time.

   The prefecture's number of daily new infections has been over 100 for 15 straight days, bringing the cumulative total for Tokyo to 10,420.

   Following Tokyo, Osaka Prefecture recorded 104 new cases, while Tokyo's neighboring prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba reported 53, 64 and 33 new cases on Thursday respectively, the latest figures showed.

   The death toll in Japan from the pneumonia-causing virus currently stands at a total of 1,004 people, including 13 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

   The health ministry also said there are currently 55 patients considered severely ill with ventilators or in intensive care units.

   The ministry added that in total, 21,310 people have been discharged from hospitals after their symptoms improved, according to the latest figures released Thursday.