TOKYO: Japan’s health ministry said Tuesday five participants in a late-night farewell party held by 23 ministry employees in late March have been newly infected with the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of infected participants to 12, more than half of the attendees.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases, which is investigating the infection routes, identified the infections at the party as an infection cluster, according to the ministry.

The party was held by workers at the Division of the Heath for the Elderly of the Health and Welfare Bureau for the Elderly.

Five ministry workers who did not participate in the party were also newly found to be infected.

The total number of infected employees of the bureau, including those who did not participate in the party, now stands at 27. Some others in the bureau have developed fevers.

JIJI Press