Olympic host city Tokyo has asked hospitals to prepare more beds for COVID-19 patients, as the number of cases in the Japanese capital is on track to hit an all time high of more than 3,000 cases, Japanese media reported on Tuesday. Daily infections in the city, which has seen an influx of overseas visitors for the Tokyo Games, doubled to 1,429 on Monday from a week earlier. That was the highest number for a Monday since the pandemic began and followed a similar record set on Sunday. Kyoto University professor Yuki Furuse earlier projected that new daily cases in Tokyo could rise to 2,000 in August, potentially maxing out hospital beds in Tokyo and the area. The Games are being held under tight quarantine rules to prevent the spread of the virus, but 155 cases have emerged involving athletes and others.

Source: The Star July 27, 2021 06:11 UTC