Khaldon Azhari, Tokyo

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike on Wednesday asked residents of the Japanese capital to refrain from outing this weekend for nonessential reasons, due to concerns over a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus infections reported today.

At an emergency press conference. Koike described the current situation in Tokyo as a critical phase of possible an explosion of infections, and she expressed hopes people understand  that the behaviors of each and every person will affect the whole society in various ways. 

Koike also said she will overcome this difficulty with all of the Tokyo residents.

Today, she said, new 41 cases of infection were reported in the capital, a big rise compare to 17 yesterday and 16 on the day before.

Out of the 41 infected in Tokyo today, the largest reported in one day in Japan, there are 11 being treated at a hospital in Taito-ku in Tokto, and 5 returnees from overseas trips, and 25 infected with unknown source.

It is very critical phase whether Tokyo will face overshoot of infection, Koike told the press conference that was aired live.

The governor provided set of requests to be followed by Tokyoites including asking business people work from home on weekdays, all people refrain from going out at night, and all people refrain from going out on this weekend if not for emergency needs.

Koike also "strongly requested" returnees from overseas to stay home for 14 days. Universities are advised to delay the start of new semester, Koike said.

One expert told NHK National TV that likelibility now is higher of Tokyo being locked down and situation might become like Italy and very dangerous.