COVID-19 cases in Japan reach 15,253, death toll at 569

The confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan increased by 176 to 15,253, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities on Monday.

The number excludes the 712 cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama near Tokyo.

The nationwide death toll from the virus has now reached a total of 569, including 13 from the Diamond Princess.

In Tokyo, the epicenter of Japan's outbreak, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased by 87 to reach 4,654, followed by Osaka Prefecture with 1,679 infections.

The health ministry said there are currently a total of 312 patients considered severely ill and are on ventilators or in intensive care units.

The ministry also said that in total, 5,147 people, including 651 from the cruise ship, have been discharged from hospitals after their symptoms improved.