A panel of experts at Japan's health ministry has expressed concerns over a possible simultaneous outbreak of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 this autumn or later.

The experts proposed on Wednesday that necessary measures be taken on the assumption that the flu may spread earlier than usual and prevail along with coronavirus infections.

They pointed out that the nationwide number of new cases of coronavirus is on a declining trend.

They also showed analysis suggesting that the trend is expected to continue in many areas, based on short-term projections for major cities.
But the experts said the pace of decline has slowed in the Tokyo metropolitan area and that attention must be paid to the impact of consecutive holidays.