Photo/Illutration An electron microscopy image of the novel coronavirus (Provided by the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

Japan reported a record 2,811 new COVID-19 cases as well as 43 deaths from the disease on Dec. 9, when six prefectures posted daily highs in newly confirmed infections of the novel coronavirus.

Sixteen of the COVID-19 fatalities were in Hokkaido, the highest single-day death toll for the northern main island.

According to the health ministry, the number of patients with serious symptoms stood at 555 nationwide on Dec. 8, up by 19 from the previous day and setting a record for the third straight day.

Aichi, which reported 245 new COVID-19 patients, Hiroshima, with 77, and Kyoto, with 75, were among the six prefectures that set record daily highs for new cases on Dec. 9.

Tokyo reported 572 new cases, its second highest tally, while Osaka Prefecture confirmed 427, its third most for one day.

Group infections reported in the Doshisha University rugby team in Kyoto on Dec. 8 added 13 new cases. The total number of infections from that outbreak has reached 26.

Group infections have also broken out at hospitals.

Four patients in their 60s to 80s tested positive for the virus at Okanami General Hospital in Iga, Mie Prefecture.

Eight nurses tested positive at Wakayama Medical University Kihoku Hospital in Katsuragi,

Wakayama Prefecture. The hospital suspended outpatient services and stopped accepting new patients from Dec. 9.

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