Tokyo reported a record 5,042 new coronavirus cases Thursday, as the Olympics held under unprecedented conditions due to the pandemic entered their final few days in the Japanese capital.
The leap from the previous day brought the seven-day moving average to about 3,646, while the number of serious cases rose to 135 from 115 the previous day, government data showed. Japan’s worst wave of cases — which has forced the government to maintain a state of emergency in Tokyo and several other areas — has coincided with the staging of the Games. While the number of cases directly linked to the Olympics has remained low, the government’s top virus adviser said the event was likely to have affected the public’s attitude toward the disease, possibly making people more relaxed about precautions.
Japan PM’s Plan to Have Mild Virus Cases Stay Home Sparks Anger