The Japanese metropolis of Osaka will declare a state of medical emergency due to increased strain on its healthcare system, the Kyodo News Agency reported on Wednesday citing officials.

New infections will likely exceed 800 on Wednesday in the western Japanese prefecture, Kyodo said.

A total of 719 new virus cases were registered on Tuesday and the hospital occupancy rate for serious COVID-19 cases in Osaka stood at 66.5 percent on Tuesday.

According to Kyodo, the prefectural government will also raise its virus alert on its own warning system to the highest "red" level, another symbolic move aimed at raising vigilance among residents.