In Japan, more than 91,000 new coronavirus cases were confirmed on Wednesday. But in the 7-day period through Tuesday, the number of weekly infections dropped for the first time in two and a half months.

Data presented at a meeting of health ministry experts showed that new infections fell by about 10 percent from the previous week. That's the first decline since December.

But deaths are on the rise. There were 230 reported across the country on Wednesday. That's the second day in a row the toll exceeded 200.

The quasi-emergency for 21 prefectures, is set to end on Sunday. More than half the prefectures, including Osaka, have asked for an extension.

On the other hand, Okinawa, Yamaguchi and Yamagata are asking that it be lifted as scheduled, as new cases in those prefectures decline.

In a similar vein, the government is arranging to begin gradually easing an entry ban and other restrictions in March.

Foreign visitors, excluding tourists, will be allowed in under certain conditions. The current entry limit will be raised from 3,500 to 5,000.

Also, the 7-day quarantine period may be shortened for those who test negative on the third day after arrival.