Japan Reports Zero Daily COVID-19 Deaths for First Time in 15 Months

By Darby Jones November 11, 2021

For the first time in over a year, Japan had no COVID-19 deaths in a single day. The country is currently 74% vaccinated.

On Sunday, Japan reported no deaths from COVID-19, making it the first day the country had no pandemic-related deaths in 15 months.

Case rates in Japan have been falling rapidly, leading to some restrictions being lifted by officials — such as entry restrictions for students, foreign workers and short-term business stays for those who are fully vaccinated. The country also reduced self-quarantine times for Japanese citizens and foreign residents from 10 days to just three days.

Japan reported a total of just 162 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, and only 21 new infections in the capital city, Tokyo. The daily tally in Tokyo remained below 30 for 11 consecutive days. Osaka Prefecture, one of Japan’s hardest-hit areas, reported 39 new cases of the virus on Sunday.

Initially, Japan faced a slow administration of vaccines. However, during the summer, it saw an increase in vaccines administered and the country is currently 74% vaccinated.

Some Japanese officials are concerned that restrictions are being lifted too soon or too rapidly, and that this could result in an uptick of COVID-19 cases in the future.

Image source: LA Times