COVID-19 death toll in Japan rises sharply

People wearing face masks wait to pray on the first working day of the new year at Kanda Myojin shrine in Tokyo, Japan on January 4. Photo: REUTERS

According to the Asahi newspaper, data from Japanese health authorities showed that the total number of deaths from COVID-19 in the country surpassed the 60,000 mark on January 8.

Previously, the first death was reported on February 13, 2020.

The majority of COVID-19 deaths in the country have been among the elderly, mostly those in their 80s.

The number of COVID-19 deaths in Japan reached 10,000 after about 14 months. Then, it reached 20,000 after another 10 months, then 30,000 after another 3 months, 40,000 after another 4 months, and 50,000 after another 4 months (on December 1, 2022).

This time, however, in just five weeks, the country's COVID-19 death toll has increased by 10,000. The total number of deaths has now surpassed 60,000.

According to NHK, Japanese health authorities are reporting a record number of COVID-19 deaths, with around 400 people dying each day. Experts warn the situation could get worse in the coming weeks.

Health officials across the country confirmed 407 new deaths from COVID-19 on Jan. 8. Aichi Prefecture in central Japan had the most of Japan's 47 prefectures, with 44.

In Tokyo, 30 people died. Most of the victims were over 70 years old.

A home health care provider in Tokyo says vulnerable people need more help.

“The patient’s condition worsened in a short period of time. Those with underlying conditions face greater risks,” the person said, adding that infections were also rising in nursing homes.

"The number of daily infections has not officially exceeded the number of cases in the summer," said Professor Hamada Atsuo of Tokyo Medical University Hospital. "But it is likely that the actual number of infections is much higher than previous peaks. I think that is why we are seeing a record number of deaths."

According to Tuoi Tre