Authorities in Japan are set to discuss an extension to wide-spread measures for containing the coronavirus. Infections are running rampant. Case tallies persistently reach alarming highs.

The Tokyo metropolitan government reported 17,113 new cases on Tuesday. That's about 18 percent more than the same time last week.

Quasi-emergency measures are in place for 35 of the nation's 47 prefectures. They are scheduled to end on February 13 in Tokyo and 12 other prefectures, but that could soon change. Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu says the capital and 11 other prefectures have requested an extension.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and others in his Cabinet are expected to discuss the details on Wednesday.

The head of the government's expert panel on the pandemic says the rate of increase has slowed in many areas compared with last week. Still, he says this is not the time to let down our guard.

Omi Shigeru said, "If thorough measures are not implemented at facilities for the elderly and other places, then the number of seriously ill patients could keep rising for quite some time."

Nationwide, authorities reported more than 92,000 new cases Tuesday.

1,141 people were in serious condition, down 2 from the day before. A record 159 people were confirmed dead.