Tokyo may once again see its daily tally of coronavirus cases top 1,000 if people don't refrain from gathering for celebrations this spring after the state of emergency is lifted, a University of Tokyo study suggests.
The estimate, projecting the risk of a spike in cases in May, is based on a scenario in which people have frequent outings for cherry-blossom viewing in addition to holding farewell and welcome parties as the fiscal year changes over in April
The current virus emergency covering the Tokyo metropolitan area is set to expire on March 21, and the study recommended that the region ease restrictions in stages to avoid another resurgence.