The number of influenza patients who sought medical attention in Tokyo has exceeded the warning level for three consecutive weeks.

During the week from November 17 to 23, the number of flu cases reported by designated medical institutions in the Japanese capital totaled 21,608.

That was about 1.16 times the figure from a week earlier and translates to an average of 51.69 patients per facility.

The spread of infection is approaching last year’s peak.

So far this season, there have been 2,209 cases of class closures or temporary school shutdowns at kindergartens and elementary, junior high and senior high schools.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is urging people to take measures such as handwashing as well as ensuring proper indoor humidity and ventilation.