At least 1,338 cases of the novel coronavirus have been recorded in Tokyo, after a rise of 144 new infections in Japan’s capital on Wednesday — the largest increase yet in a single day.
Across the country, at least 5,480 people have been infected with the virus, including 712 cases linked to the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama in February.
The death toll currently stands at 96, with four more fatalities recorded on Wednesday.
State of emergency: Large parts of Japan are under a state of emergency as the government tries to control the spread of the virus.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the move on Tuesday, saying it would last for one month and apply to seven prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka.
Abe said public transport and supermarkets would stay open during the state of emergency.