COVID-19 Cases In Japan Jump To 121 To Reach 15,374

The confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan increased by 121 to reach 15,374, according to the latest figures from the health ministry and local authorities on Tuesday.

The number excludes the 712 cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama near Tokyo.

The nationwide death toll from the virus has now reached a total of 579, including 13 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

In Tokyo, the epicenter of Japan’s outbreak, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased by 58 to reach 4,712, followed by Osaka Prefecture with 1,686 infections.

Kanagawa Prefecture, meanwhile, has recorded 1,121 infections, Saitama 909, Hokkaido 891 cases, Chiba 858, while Hyogo Prefecture has recorded 674 cases of COVID-19, according to the latest figures on Tuesday.

The health ministry said there are currently a total of 313 patients considered severely ill and are on ventilators or in intensive care units.

The ministry also said that in total, 5,238 people, including 651 from the cruise ship, have been discharged from hospitals after their symptoms improved.