Experts in Japan are calling for tougher measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the country sees case numbers reach record highs despite an expanded state of emergency.
Officials in Tokyo confirmed 4,392 new cases in the capital on Sunday, the highest ever for that day of the week. Eight patients died; 271 were in serious condition.
On August 20, the government expanded its fourth coronavirus-related state of emergency amid a surge in cases driven by the highly contagious Delta variant. The declaration now covers 13 prefectures. The government also widened its list of prefectures covered by intensive anti-virus measures to 16. Both policies will run through September 12.
The rising case numbers are stretching the medical system to breaking point. The Chiba University Hospital more than doubled the number of beds in its intensive care unit over the past week, but the unit remains fully occupied with serious COVID-19 cases. This shift in focus and resources means the hospital is having to turn away most general emergency patients.
Seemingly, the government has not got the outbreak under control … 
