Japan on high alert for virus surge
Japan recorded more than 2,000 new coronavirus cases on both Wednesday and Thursday, its highest levels to date, as the country steels itself for a third wave. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga put the country on “maximum alert” and urged vigilant mask wearing, particularly while dining out.
Tokyo also broke its record for case numbers on Wednesday and again on Thursday, with more than 500 infections per day.
While Japan’s total numbers are low compared with those in many other countries, infections are spiking rapidly. A panel of experts working for the Tokyo government said the current surge was the most alarming yet because, unlike prior waves, which mostly affected young people, the current one has also hit middle-aged and older people.
Related: Despite climbing infection rates across the globe, the president of the International Olympic Committee says the Games will go on next summer in Tokyo and will be “the light at the end of this dark tunnel.”
Here are the latest updates and maps of the pandemic.
In other developments:

■ The U.S. has surpassed 250,000 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic. Cases are rising in every state except Hawaii, and health experts are warning of dark months ahead.

■ The World Health Organization said that case rates in Europe were falling for the first time in months, signaling that new restrictions are working.

■ Africa, in its second surge, has reached over two million confirmed cases, though low testing means the numbers could be higher.
The New York Times