Photo/Illutration Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka's Naniwa Ward is illuminated in red on April 7 as novel coronavirus infections continue to surge in Osaka Prefecture. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Osaka Prefecture reported 874 new cases of infection from the novel coronavirus and 19 deaths from COVID-19 on May 9.

Prefectural officials said the latest daily tally brought overall case numbers and fatalities in their jurisdiction to 89,612 and 1,715, respectively.

As of May 5, health ministry data showed that 13,423 patients in the prefecture were being asked to stay home after testing positive as hospitals were full.

The figure, the nation's highest, represents a 5.3-fold increase compared with four weeks earlier.