Photo/Illutration Members of the Shizuoka prefectural government's panel of experts on the novel coronavirus hold a videoconference on July 27 to discuss recent trends in COVID-19 infections. (Etsuko Akuzawa)

Though Tokyo reported under 200 new COVID-19 infections on July 27 for the first time in seven days, Japan recorded close to 600 fresh cases.

A total of 598 new cases were reported nationwide as of 11:50 p.m. Kyoto confirmed one new death from the virus.

Tokyo reported 131 new cases. The drop below 200 is likely due mainly to a decrease in people taking tests to confirm infections because of the four-day weekend that began July 23.

It normally takes about three days for test results to be confirmed and compiled in the capital.

While Tokyo saw new cases fall, metropolitan government officials said 1,260 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized in the capital, an increase of 4.5-fold over July 1.

Though the numbers were lower, new cases were confirmed in various parts of Japan on July 27.

Okinawa Prefecture reported a record 18 new cases, including a member of the Air Self-Defense Force base in Naha and a female employee at the U.S. Air Force's Kadena Air Base.

Three Kagoshima Prefecture residents were confirmed with COVID-19, including two on Yoronjima island, where infections are spreading.

A member of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Fukuoka municipal assembly in his 40s also tested positive.

On July 20, he attended a group meal with all the LDP members of the Fukuoka city assembly and a number of female assembly staff members. Those 21 individuals will be tested on July 28.

Osaka reported 87 new cases, the first time the figure fell below 100 in six days. But 57 of the patients were unable to trace their infection routes.

Within the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, Chiba Prefecture had 24 new cases, Saitama Prefecture recorded 23 and Kanagawa Prefecture reported 14.

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