Japan identified another 2,432 new coronavirus cases and 43 related deaths on Friday, the country's health ministry said.

A record 505 coronavirus patients were also in critical condition in intensive care units and on respirators on Friday. The day tied with May 8 for Japan's deadliest day since the pandemic began.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at a news conference Friday night that the situation in the country is "extremely alarming," with more people occupying hospital beds with severe cases.

"New infection and severe cases of the coronavirus infection are hitting record highs," Suga said.

To date, at least 158,386 cases of Covid-19 have been identified in Japan. At least 2,296 have died. Authorities said 131,176 patients have been discharged from hospitals.