Japan reports 929 new virus cases, total at 434,818

TOKYO, March 3 (KUNA) -- Japan reported 929 new cases of the coronavirus over the last 24 hours as of 4:00 p.m. (0700 GMT) on Wednesday, raising the nation's total number to 434,818, the health ministry and local authorities said.
The country's cumulative death toll rose by 51 to 8,023.
Tokyo added 316 new infections, topping 300 for the first time in three days, which brought the total cases in the Japanese capital to 112,345.
The tallies exclude those who were linked to a virus-hit cruise ship in February.
The hardest-hit Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures are under the state of emergency through March 7, with residents urged to refrain from nonessential outings.
Restaurants and other establishments in the area are also asked to close by 8:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the country launched its COVID-19 inoculation drive with Pfizer's vaccine for medical workers late February. (end) mk.bs