Tokyo reports highest daily tally of COVID-19 cases, top 100 for 1st time

Tokyo confirmed 118 new cases of COVID-19 as of 4:00 p.m. local time Saturday, a metropolitan government official said, the first time the daily increase has topped 100.

This pushes the total number of COVID-19 cases to 891 in the Japanese capital, the highest among the 47 prefectures of the country.

Tokyo has been struggling to contain a recent surge in the number of infections, asking residents to stay at home over the weekend to prevent further spread of the virus.

Across Japan, the number of infections has climbed to 3,278 as of Saturday afternoon. Besides Tokyo, Osaka Prefecture recorded 346 COVID-19 cases, Kanagawa Prefecture 217, Chiba Prefecture 212, Aichi Prefecture 202 and 193 cases have been recorded in Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, the figures showed.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has taken a cautious approach to declaring a state of emergency.

Abe has said that COVID-19 infections across Japan are not at a point necessitating a declaration of a state of emergency, although has stated the nation is "on the brink."

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said on Friday that if the country declares a state of emergency, Tokyo residents will be asked to refrain from leaving their homes but essential services will remain in operation.

According to Koike, even during a state of emergency, stores selling essential items such as food and medical supplies, and services necessary to keep society and the economy running such as banks will remain in operation in the capital.