Kathmandu, Aug 13. The Tokyo Olympics may have ended, but covid cases have constantly been on the rise for the Japanese people.

With only 36% of the population being vaccinated, Prime Minister Suga has pinned his hopes in vaccination as there is a risk of the delta variant as well.

On Friday, Tokyo reported 5,773 new cases, surpassing the previous record of 5,042 set last week. As hospitals continue to fill up,Suga aims to fully vaccinate 40% of all those 12 years and older by the end of August. He also targets to complete shots for all those who wish to do so by October or November.

Most serious cases lie in young adults, therefore, experts have advised to maintain social distancing and wear masks.

The vaccination drive in Japan began in mid-February, which has a slow pace due to logistical issues and inefficiency and shortage in supplies. The speed picked up in May and crossed 1 million daily shots, meeting the target set by Suga. The vaccination pace is also expected to slow down when adults get to their turn due to rumors of side effects.

While many people have criticized that the Olympics acted as a covid spreader, Suga has repeatedly denied saying that there is no evidence as such.While some 400 positive cases were reported inside the Olympic “bubble” from early July until the closing ceremony, that positivity rate is only a fraction of Tokyo’s overall, they say.

Despite restrictions and order for shops to close at 8pm, many businesses are still defying to open beyond 8pm. The state of emergency is no longer working even if fines are imposed as people are tired of following measures.

It is said that the support for Suga’s government has fallen by 30% post the Olympics.

One of the government’s top medical advisors has said that they will have to discuss for a legal lockdown if cases continue to increase. He added that the government and leaders have failed to send a strong message.