The percentage of occupied hospital beds reserved for coronavirus patients rose in 39 of the 47 prefectures in the week that ended July 29, with occupancy rates over 30 percent in eight prefectures, government data showed Monday, raising fears that the medical system may soon become overwhelmed amid a resurgence of infections.
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 growing strain on the country's health care system comes as the government remains cautious about putting stricter restrictions on economic activities.