The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 60 new coronavirus infections in the capital on Sunday, hitting the highest number of daily cases since the Japanese capital's state of emergency was lifted late last month.

The figure was up from 57 the previous day, bringing Tokyo's cumulative total to 6,114. About half of the latest cases came from people who work in or have visited nightlife districts.

New infections in Tokyo had been on a downward trend through late May. But cases rebounded after the state of emergency was lifted for Tokyo and four other prefectures on May 25, allowing businesses to open back up.

The 60 cases on Sunday skewed young, with 33 in their 20s and 12 in their 30s. Just over half, 31, were traced back to nightlife establishments including 18 host club workers.

Four were infected by family members, while a transmission route could not be determined for 39 cases.

The figures followed a recent trend of clusters of infections in areas such as Shinjuku Ward's well-known Kabukicho area after the metropolitan government lifted its advisory against visiting places such as live music venues and nightclubs on June 19.

Among recent cases, none have developed serious conditions and many have been asymptomatic. A metropolitan government official stressed it is crucial to protect higher risk demographics such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

"We're asking the public to continue exercising preventative measures," the official said, while denying that Tokyo is experiencing a "second wave" of infections.


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