Less than a week before it hosts the 2020 Paralympics Games, Japan registered a record number of coronavirus cases. This comes as critical care beds in Tokyo are nearing capacity. The latest wave of COVID-19, induced by the deadly Delta variant, has spread in Tokyo and its outer areas.

Osaka, Hyogo and other prefectures all witnessed record cases on Wednesday. In a total count, the number of daily infections climbed up to a record 23,917 cases, according to the tally provided by the public broadcaster NHK, Guardian reported.

The same day, Tokyo recorded 5,386 cases the same day, which is slightly lower than its all-time high of 5,773 last Friday. However, medical experts are of the opinion that the low rates of testing indicated that the actual number could be much higher.

There is also an ongoing argument that the recently-concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympics was the main reason behind the hike in cases. However, the Japanese government and health officials said that there is proof that attributes the rise in cases to the Summer Games.

With the 2020 Paralympics approaching fast, the preparation are being motored forward amid a state of emergency in Tokyo; this will be in place even after the Games conclude.

The emergency measures mentioned that nearly 60% of Japan’s population will run until 12 September. It was originally scheduled to end on August 31.

The measures have failed to stop infections soaring as the more transmissible Delta variant takes hold.

To encourage compliance, authorities have been requesting bars and restaurants to stop serving alcohol and close early, using a combination of subsidies and fines. About 40% of establishments in parts of Tokyo are not adhering to the rules, Guardian reported, quoting the Japanese media.

The government is also planning to urge large shopping malls and department stores to limit the number of customers inside at one time.

This current wave of infection is putting pressure on hospital beds, prompting the government to ask people with “mild” symptoms to recover at home.

As of August 11, more than 74,000 people were isolating at home, the health ministry said. This is 13 times the number a month earlier. More than 80% of Tokyo’s critical care beds are occupied.