Infection
Japan shuts stores, bars, theaters to slow surge
Japan’s department stores, bars and theaters shuttered Sunday as part of emergency measures to slow a surge in infections.
The 17-day restrictions are declared for Tokyo, Kyoto, Hyogo and Osaka, ahead of the “Golden Week” holidays, when Japanese usually travel extensively.
There’s doubt about the effectiveness of the effort, which focuses on eateries and theme parks staying closed or limiting hours. Trains and streets remain as packed as ever, and schools will stay open.
Japan has already declared three emergencies over the coronavirus. The vaccine rollout has been slow, with barely 1% of its population inoculated.
Also read: Japan to start releasing Fukushima water into sea in 2 years
One setback is that Japan requires additional testing for vaccines approved overseas, and only the Pfizer vaccine is now in use.
Experts say the unfolding wave of infections includes more deadly variants. Japan has attributed about 10,000 deaths to COVID-19, among the worst in Asia. A domestically produced vaccine is not expected until next year or 2023.
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Global Covid deaths surpass 1.97 million
Over 1.97 million people have died of Covid-19 globally as of Thursday, according to Johns Hopkins University. New infections have also set fresh highs, with the global tally surpassing 92 million.
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Confirmed new coronavirus infection cases in Hong Kong rises to 12
The total number of novel coronavirus infection cases confirmed in Hong Kong has risen to 12, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's Department of Health (DH) announced in a press release on Friday.
France confirms 3 cases of novel coronavirus infection
Three cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection have been confirmed in France, the Ministry for Solidarity and Health said Friday.
107 dengue patients being treated at hospitals across the country
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