COVID-19 confirmed cases in Japan rise to 720

The number of COVID-19 infections in Japan increased by 23 to reach a total of 720 on Saturday, according to data from Japan's health ministry and local governments.

The majority of confirmed cases stemmed from Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido which has confirmed 137 cases and declared a state of emergency over the situation.

According to the latest statistics, Aichi Prefecture has 114 confirmed cases, Osaka 92, Tokyo 77, Hyogo 56 and Kanagawa Prefecture has confirmed 50 COVID-19 infections.

The 697 cases of infections on the virus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship previously quarantined in Yokohama Port were calculated separately.

The death toll in Japan from the virus currently stands at 28, including seven from the cruise ship, according to the health ministry.

The ministry said there are currently 46 patients with severe symptoms and are on ventilators to receive respiratory assistance or have been admitted to intensive care units.

The ministry also said that 525 people have been discharged from hospitals after their symptoms improved.