Here are the latest COVID-19 updates from Japan and beyond:
As of 11 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5
- Tokyo confirmed 144 new daily coronavirus cases Tuesday, a day after the figure dipped below 100 for the first time since last November, reflecting a steady drop in the number of infections in the capital.
- Japan's new tourism minister said Tuesday he will consider when to resume the government's "Go To Travel" subsidy program for the promotion of domestic tourism that has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic, following the full lifting of the COVID-19 state of emergency last week.
- Fumio Kishida got to work as Japan's prime minister on Tuesday, a day after taking office and forming a Cabinet to meet challenges including reviving an economy battered by COVID-19.
As of 11 p.m., Monday, Oct. 4
- Tokyo confirmed 87 daily coronavirus cases Monday, marking the first time since November last year that the count has fallen below 100.
- Japan's health ministry is in talks with U.S. pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. to procure an oral COVID-19 medicine developed by the firm for use by those suffering from mild symptoms, sources familiar with the matter said Monday.
- Fumio Kishida took office as Japan's new prime minister on Monday, forming a Cabinet tasked with keeping COVID-19 under control while reviving a battered economy as he looks to appeal to voters heading into next month's general election.