Japan confirmed Wednesday an additional 1,070 cases of the novel coronavirus, with Osaka Prefecture reporting more infections than Tokyo for the first time in three months, local authorities said.
Osaka reported 187 new cases, the largest among the nation's 47 prefectures, with Tokyo reporting 186. Urban areas in the country have continued to see high numbers of infections.
Fukuoka also reported 102 more cases, followed by Kanagawa with 95, Okinawa with 71 and Saitama with 62.
The daily figures reflect the most recent totals reported by health authorities and medical institutions.
The nationwide cumulative total rose to more than 59,400, including about 700 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama in February. The death toll stood at 1,162.
In Tokyo, the single-day increase compares with 207 reported Tuesday and came below the average of 256.3 over the most recent seven days, the metropolitan government said. The number of patients with severe symptoms and who are hospitalized increased to 32 from Tuesday's 31.
The capital is maintaining its alert at the highest of four levels, meaning "infections are spreading." It has requested establishments serving alcohol and karaoke venues to close by 10 p.m. until the end of August to reduce the risk of infections.
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