Tokyo, Aug 20 (IANS): The Tokyo metropolitan government on Thursday reported 339 new coronavirus cases, with daily infections in the Japanese capital topping 300 for the first time in five days.

The latest figure follows 186 cases confirmed on Wednesday and 207 new cases reported on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The number of patients in hospital in "serious condition" rose from 32 to 36, the metropolitan government said.

This marks the third time the number of seriously ill Covid-19 patients in the capital of 14 million has topped the 30-mark since May amid concerns over the the virus' accelerated spread in urban areas.

The metropolitan government has urged residents to refrain from traveling outside the prefecture during the holiday season, as well as refrain from dining out in groups, including small gatherings held in close proximity with others, in a bid to curb the virus' spread.

Establishments serving alcohol have been requested to cut their opening hours until the end of August and close at 10 p.m.

The metropolitan government has described the situation in the capital as "extremely severe", with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike saying that a city-specific state of emergency could be declared if the spread continues to worsen.