The Latest: Tokyo's daily infections top 600 for first time

TOKYO — The number of new coronavirus infections in Japan's capital have topped 600 in a day for the first time.

Experts on Tokyo's virus task force say the surge in infections has placed an added burden on hospitals, making it difficult for many of them to carry out treatment for ordinary patients.

Tokyo reported 602 new cases Thursday, while the daily tally for the entire nation was 2,810. Japan has reported 168,573 infections since the pandemic began, with 2,465 deaths.

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike is urging residents to avoid non-essential outings, especially senior citizens and their families. Tokyo has issued a request for drinking places to close early until Dec. 17.

___

THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

About 50% of Americans will take the new coronavirus vaccine, according to The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey. About 25% of U.S. adults aren’t sure if they want to get vaccinated, taking a wait and see approach.

Canada health regulators approve Pfizer’s vaccine, days ahead of possible approval in the United States. Health Canada says 249,000 doses of the vaccine made by U.S. drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech will arrive this month and be administered within days.

— Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine faces last hurdle before U.S. decision

— U.S. lawmakers act to avert shutdown, buying time for COVID talks

— UN chief warns 'vaccine nationalism’ is moving at full speed

— EU drug regulator hacked, data on COVID-19 vaccine accessed

___

Follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and...