Paramedics prepare to transport a suspected COVID-19 patient to a hospital, in Tokyo's Toshima Ward on July 23, 2021. (Mainichi/Kaho Kitayama)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms across Japan totaled 1,521 as of Friday, up 43 from the previous day and hitting a record high for the second straight day, the health ministry said Saturday.

       With the novel coronavirus spreading rapidly and showing no signs of abating, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga plans to hold talks with relevant ministers next week on expanding the state of emergency beyond Tokyo and the other prefectures where it is currently in place.

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