Over half of the 1,397 of Japan's novel coronavirus cases -- 748 -- were confirmed within the one month period following its national state of emergency lifting on May 25 were discovered in Tokyo
Apparent infection clusters have been reported in 27 locations across the country, further highlighting the necessity of thorough containment and prevention measures.
More than 100 cases were reported within the same time frame in several prefectures, Fukuoka Prefecture with 176, Hokkaido with 156 and Kanagawa Prefecture with 106. Along with Tokyo, these four prefectures account for more than 80% of the country's total cases.
No new cases have been reported in 17 prefectures, including those in the Tohoku and Kyushu regions, while the number in 21 prefectures was in the single-digit range.
Although Japan as a whole is seeing a reduced number of coronavirus cases, infection clusters are being seen in some parts of urban areas.
In 27 locations within five prefecture including Tokyo and Hokkaido, over five people were confirmed to have been infected with the virus at specific spots or a meeting places as of Wednesday, with local governments concerned believing this to be an indicator that there is a "high likelihood of an infection cluster."
The Tokyo metropolitan government announced Wednesday that 55 new cases were confirmed. In Tokyo, 13 cluster infections have been reported in a month, with many of the infections occurring among the staff of nighttime businesses such as male host clubs, or those who attended dinner parties.
In Hokkaido, nine people were found to have been infected on Wednesday after enjoying karaoke at a restaurant in Otaru. Additionally, group infections were confirmed in three more karaoke establishments in Hokkaido.
"The risk of speaking in a 'Three Cs'(closed space, crowded place and close-contact setting) environment is emerging again," Toho University Prof. Kazuhiro Tateda said. "As the economy and the movement of people are returning to normal, people tend to take off their masks and talk with each other. Thorough steps to prevent the infections, such as washing hands, wearing masks and avoiding the Three Cs are still necessary."
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