Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide says 'utmost caution' needed over virus case spike

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stressed the need for "utmost caution" on Saturday as the country's number of confirmed coronavirus cases reached a record for the third straight day.

Suga said the government needed the cooperation of its citizens to avoid introducing stricter anti-virus measures.

Japan recorded 2,418 infections on Saturday, including 539 in Tokyo, a record high for the capital.

"Please wear masks even when you are dining out, wash your hands and avoid any close contact. Please absolutely make sure to do the basic anti-virus measures," Suga said.

The number of cases has been surging nationwide in recent weeks, with other major cities such as Osaka and Hokkaido prefectures hitting the highest infection cases.

Japan has not had a complete lockdown but some businesses were ordered to close and people were asked to work from home after the government issued a national state of emergency in April.

The restrictions were lifted in late May.

Japan has confirmed 125,267 cases overall, including 1,943 deaths, according to the Health Ministry.

Image Credits: AP