COVID-19 cases in Japan rise to 11,431, Tokyo records 123 new daily infections

Coronavirus cases in Japan increased by 278 to 11,431, with 123 new daily infections recorded in Tokyo, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities Tuesday afternoon.

The nationwide death toll from the virus has now increased to a total of 288, including those from a cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama near Tokyo, the latest figures showed.

In Tokyo, the epicenter of Japan's outbreak, the number of COVID-19 cases has increased to 3,307 confirmed cases, accounting for well over one-third of all COVID-19 cases across the nation, followed by hard-hit Osaka Prefecture where cases have jumped to 1,295 infections.

Kanagawa Prefecture, meanwhile, has recorded 812 infections, Chiba Prefecture 725 cases, Saitama Prefecture 680 infections, Hyogo Prefecture 543 cases, while Fukuoka Prefecture has recorded 527 cases of COVID-19, according to the latest figures Tuesday.

The health ministry here also said there are currently a total of 235 patients considered severely ill and are on ventilators to receive respiratory assistance or have been admitted to intensive care units for medical treatment.

The ministry also said that in total, 1,884 people have been discharged from hospitals after their symptoms improved, according to the latest figures.