Photo/Illutration The Tokyo metropolitan government building is illuminated in a rainbow of colors on the evening of June 2 before the decision was made to issue an alert to residents to remain cautious about a further spread of COVID-19 infections. (Kazuhiro Nagashima)

For the sixth day in a row, Tokyo is reporting more than 20 new cases of COVID-19 infections, testing the government's readiness to issue another alert.

According to sources, the government recorded 27 new coronavirus cases on June 16.

The number is lower than the figures from June 14 and 15, both of which logged more than 40 new cases.

But the latest number still exceeds the Tokyo metropolitan government’s benchmark for issuing an alert urging residents to remain vigilant in preventing the coronavirus from spreading further.

Since the last alert was lifted on June 11, there have been more than 20 infections every day for nearly a week.

The latest figure comes as the central government prepares to further relax restrictions on economic activities starting on June 19 and allow residents to travel more freely across prefectural borders.

Related News