As record numbers of new cases of the new coronavirus continue to emerge, government officials are feeling hamstrung by an inability to trace the contraction routes for a large number of the infected.
This appears to be linked to the increasing number of young people who are infected but whose contacts are difficult to determine.
In Tokyo, 162 of the 250 cases confirmed on Wednesday cannot be traced. According to the metropolitan government, younger age groups -- those in their 20s and 30s -- accounted for about 60 percent of the infections, while just 20 percent were those in their 40s or 50s.
Likewise, Osaka Prefecture had a record 221 new cases on Wednesday, of which 74% could not be traced. Accounting for 145 of 221, or 66%, are those in their teens, 20s or 30s.
"Young people make up the largest group, and if this generation doesn't change its behavior, it will be difficult to get the spread of infections under control in our cities," Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura said at a press conference.
Fukuoka Prefecture posted a single-day record of 101 new cases on Wednesday, 10 of which were linked to cluster confirmed in a night club in Fukuoka city, bringing the total from that location to 43.
Also, Fukuoka city revealed that one person who was announced on Saturday as positive, had tested negative.
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