Japan's Cherry Blossom Viewing Season Comes Amid Concerns About COVID Resurgence

Japan's Cherry Blossom Viewing Season, Comes Amid Concerns, About COVID Resurgence.

One week after lifting COVID restrictions, people across Japan are celebrating cherry blossom viewing season, triggering concerns of a potential resurgence of cases.

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The Associated Press reports that many people had avoided the national tradition for the past two years due to the pandemic.

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The Associated Press reports that many people had avoided the national tradition for the past two years due to the pandemic.

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This year, thousands of people came to view the delicate pink flowers at Chidorigafuchi Park, just northwest of the Imperial Palace.

Sakura, commonly referred to as cherry blossoms, are an iconic Japanese flower and reach their peak bloom in late March.

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The viewing season lasts through early April and coincides with the start of a new school and business year.

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The Associated Press reports that safety measures have still been put in place, including asking viewers to not gather under the trees for traditional drinking parties.

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On March 29, Tokyo reported 7,846 new COVID-19 cases, over twice the number reported the week prior.

According to the AP, the resurgence has been attributed to a new Omicron subvariant.

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On March 28, Japan logged 29,740 cases, bringing the country's total up to approximately 6.4 million.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike attributed the increase to , “the spread of the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron that is replacing the existing variant with significant speed.”