An expert panel of Japan's health ministry agreed on Friday that COVID-19 should be downgraded to the same category of infectious diseases as seasonal influenza in about three months.

The government is expected to decide at a meeting of its coronavirus task force later in the day that the disease's classification will be downgraded on May 8.

The panel met on Friday morning and agreed that the current coronavirus situation does not require strict restrictions on individual rights.

It said the disease should be downgraded to category five, the same grouping as seasonal flu, under the infectious disease control law. COVID-19 is now classified as equivalent to category two, the second-most severe tier.

The panel also said about three months of preparation will be necessary as the downgrade could significantly affect people's lives, businesses, healthcare facilities and others.

The experts said the healthcare system for dealing with coronavirus patients should be shifted to one similar to that of seasonal influenza. It said the transition should be carried out in stages while making necessary preparations.

The panel also said measures to protect people with a high risk of becoming seriously ill, including the elderly, still need to be implemented, considering a possible resurgence of infections. It said people and firms are also advised to take precautions independently.

The panel also advised that whether to wear a face mask should basically be up to the individual.

It said authorities should continue providing detailed information about the virus to the public.