Osaka to raise COVID-19 alert to highest level as case numbers soar

Osaka – Osaka Prefecture is set to raise its coronavirus alert to the highest of three levels, officials familiar with the plan have said, a day after its daily infection count hit a record 25,762 amid a fresh wave of COVID-19.

The alert level will be raised to red from yellow, possibly on Wednesday, as Osaka’s hospital bed occupancy rate has climbed to 49.6%. The prefectural government had said it would raise the level if the rate reached 50%.