Weekly survey shows Japan’s coronavirus infections may have peaked out

Japan’s health ministry says a weekly coronavirus survey shows infections may have passed their latest peak.

The ministry says about 5,000 medical institutions reported 54,346 cases in the week through September 24. That’s down 32,164 from the previous week.

The average number of patients per institution stood at 11.01 nationwide, or 63 percent of the week before.

The figure has dropped for a third straight week, with all 47 prefectures reporting declines. Aichi had the largest number at 16.61, followed by 15.24 in Gifu.

The ministry says 7,685 people were newly hospitalized with COVID-19, down 2,288 from the previous week.

While suggesting the peak may be over, the ministry is calling on people to continue following anti-infection measures.