Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has called on medical groups and local governments to prepare for a possible double outbreak of the coronavirus and influenza this winter.

Government officials on Thursday held the first taskforce meeting on measures to deal with a simultaneous outbreak.

Kishida said the government will use scientific evidence to ensure that people can resume normal socio-economic activities as much as possible.

The prime minister said officials need to be one step ahead in preparing to tackle future outbreaks.

He said the government will work to expand Japan's healthcare system, including vaccinations and online services, and implement its new COVID-19 policy.

The government decided last month to ease the restrictions for coronavirus patients, including shorter periods of self-isolation.