The number of new COVID infections in Japan has risen above 1,000 for the first time in three months, the Jiji news agency reported.

Tokyo, January 4 (RHC)-- The number of new COVID infections in Japan has risen above 1,000 for the first time in three months, the Jiji news agency reported.

Japan had seen fewer cases in recent months, but experts had warned of a potential sixth wave of infections during the winter.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has vowed to speed up coronavirus vaccine booster shots, secure imported supplies of drugs to treat COVID-19 and reorganize medical facilities, in response to the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Speaking to reporters after praying at the Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, Kishida said the response will include making free coronavirus tests more readily available, while border controls will continue, he said.

Japan has shut out incoming travel except for returning residents and Japanese nationals since November.