The Japanese government is planning to end its entry restrictions on people arriving in the country on Saturday, before downgrading the legal classification of COVID-19.

The government initially decided to lift the restrictions on May 8, when officials will reclassify the virus to the lowest level of category five--the same as seasonal influenza. But sources say the government is now making arrangements to bring forward the end of border controls.

Currently, people entering Japan are asked to show proof that they have received three doses of a coronavirus vaccine, among other requirements.

The government is also expected to end the random testing of a limited number of travelers arriving from mainland China on direct flights.

In Japan, the "Golden Week" spring holidays start this weekend and continue through May 7. The number of Japanese people who will travel overseas during this period is expected to increase.

Observers say the government wants to make procedures for people coming home smoother.

But officials say that, on a voluntary basis, they will check the health of people entering the country who have symptoms such as fever and cough even after lifting the entry restrictions. They say a genetic analysis of viruses will be also carried out.