Asian shares turn lower as virus caseloads surge

MITO, Japan (AP) — Shares are mostly lower in Asia, as governments in the region reported surging numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases. Stocks retreated in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney but edged higher in Shanghai. Australia’s hard-hit Victoria state reported a record 484 new COVID-19 cases, and health authorities warned that numbers could continue to rise if the sick continue to fail to isolate themselves. Local officials in Tokyo and Hong Kong also expressed alarm at surging numbe