Jul1 , 2020. hour ago – 16:35 KYODO NEWS.

Tokyo confirmed 124 new coronavirus cases on Friday, a count that eclipsed the largest daily increase in two months marked the previous day and raised fears about a resurgence of the virus amid the recent worsening trend.

“We will take necessary steps to prevent (the coronavirus) from spreading further and brace for a possible second wave (of infections),” Koike told a news conference where she announced the latest figure.

Of the total, young people were especially hit, with those in their 20s and 30s accounting for around 70 percent, a trend that has been seen recently, according to Koike.

On Thursday, 107 cases were reported, the largest daily increase since May 2, prompting the governor to warn people not to visit nightlife districts hit by increasing virus cases especially among young people.

The number of coronavirus infections in the capital decreased after peaking at 206 on April 17.

Infections have rebounded since the nationwide state of emergency was lifted in late May, with intensive testing carried out in parts of the capital following the recent rise in new cases in some entertainment districts.

The governor also stressed that the Tokyo government will make efforts to reopen the virus-hit economy.

Asked about the possibility of reintroducing voluntary business closure requests, Koike struck a negative tone, but said the city government would consider the step if the central government again declares a state of emergency.

Earlier in the day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the central government does not see the need to immediately reintroduce a state of emergency.

CR:KYODO NEWS.