January 20
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported a record 7,377 new cases of the coronavirus in the capital on Wednesday.
The figure is 1,400 more than the previous daily high of 5,908 in August last year.
The daily count in Tokyo exceeded 5,000 for the first time this year on Tuesday.
Metropolitan officials say 10 patients are in serious condition, up three from Tuesday.
The Metropolitan Government is set to ask restaurants and bars in Tokyo to cut business hours, starting on Friday through February 13, as part of quasi-emergency restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
Eating and drinking establishments that have been certified as taking anti-virus measures will be able to choose whether to remain open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. without serving alcohol, or to serve alcohol between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and close at 9:00 p.m.
Non-certified establishments will be asked to close at 8:00 p.m. without serving alcohol.
Restaurants and bars that comply with the request will be paid 25,000 to 200,000 yen a day, depending on their revenue.
People who eat or drink together will be limited to four per table.
Five or more people will be allowed to share a table at certified eateries if everyone can show proof of their negative test results.
NHK
