Tokyo reports record daily COVID cases amid Olympics

FILE - In this July 16, 2021, file photo, people crowd the street in the Kabukicho area, Tokyo's entertainment district.
FILE - In this July 16, 2021, file photo, people crowd the street in the Kabukicho area, Tokyo's entertainment district. Copyright Jae C. Hong/AP Photo
By Euronews with AP
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Tokyo reported a record 5,042 new daily coronavirus cases on Thursday, with infections continuing to surge in the city hosting the Olympic games.

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Tokyo reported a new record number of daily COVID-19 cases on Thursday, with infections continuing to surge in the city that is hosting the Olympic games.

There were 5,042 new cases reported, bringing the total for Tokyo to 236,138.

Tokyo has seen record breaking daily levels of coronavirus cases in recent days as it hosts the Olympics under a state of emergency.

The state of emergency was widened to neighbouring areas and the western city of Osaka at the end of July as authorities attempted to get the spread of the virus under control.

There are no spectators allowed at almost all Olympic events, but even with the added restrictions from the state of emergency case numbers continue to rise.

The measures include a ban on alcohol in restaurants and bars and shorter opening hours.

However these are being increasingly ignored by the public, which has become tired of restrictions.

It is the fourth state of emergency to be imposed on the region.

Many locals have protested against holding the Olympics, insisting the games should have been postponed once again.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has denied the Olympics have caused a rise in infections.

Nationwide, Japan reported more than 14,000 cases on Wednesday for a total of 970,000.

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