Tokyo's new Covid-19 cases have exceeded 20,000 for the first time, dimming hopes that an Omicron-fuelled wave of infections in Japan is peaking out, Reuters reports.

Nationwide cases have reached a record 91,760, while 18 prefectures recorded all-time highs, according to a tally by online news service JX Press.

Tokyo has reported 21,576 new cases, exceeding the previous record of 17,631 in Japan's capital on Friday.

Passersby wearing protective face masks walk past in front of an electric screen displaying notice about Covid-19 safety measures in Tokyo, Japan, February 1. — Reuters
Passersby wearing protective face masks walk past in front of an electric screen displaying notice about Covid-19 safety measures in Tokyo, Japan, February 1. — Reuters

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