JAPAN'S CORONAVIRUS BEDS RISING

The percentage of occupied hospital beds reserved for coronavirus patients rose in 39 of Japan's 47 prefectures in the week ended July 29, with bed occupancy rates over 30 percent in eight prefectures, government data showed Monday, raising fears the medical system may soon become overwhelmed amid a resurgence of infections, according to Kyodo News.

The study by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare found that the number of occupied beds across the country stood at 4,034 as of July 29, increasing by 1,290 from the week prior.

The recent growing strain on the country's health care system comes as a time the government remains cautious about putting stricter restrictions on economic activities.

By prefecture, Osaka led the pack with 42.5 percent of its beds reserved for COVID-19 patients occupied. It was followed by Saitama at 40.4 percent, Aichi at 39 percent and Tokyo at 37.9 percent.