The Japanese government says it will make efforts to prepare sufficient medical care as the coronavirus spreads in the country in the run-up to the year-end and New Year holidays.

The health ministry said on Wednesday that the daily count of new coronavirus cases across the country stood at more than 206,000. It is the first time for the figure to exceed 200,000 since August 25 amid the seventh wave of infections.

An expert panel for the government pointed out that the number of people visiting entertainment districts in Tokyo, Osaka and other prefectures between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. is at the highest level since the onset of the pandemic.

Panel members also said it is necessary to pay attention to the impact from an increase in opportunities for people to have contact with others during the year-end and New Year holidays.

The government says infection cases may rise further during the period. It plans to work to secure enough hospital beds for seriously ill patients, as well as care for outpatients with fever.

The government will also ask the public to follow anti-infection steps.

The health ministry on Friday will hold a meeting with officials from broad areas, including people from the Japan Medical Association and the Japan Business Federation. They will discuss effective ways to spread messages for preventing infections, among other issues.