Coronavirus outbreak updates: Feb. 27, 2021

Here are the latest updates from Japan and beyond on the coronavirus outbreak:

As of 11 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27

Tokyo reported Saturday 337 new coronavirus cases, as the daily tally remains on a downward trend despite the pace of decline slowing.
Athletes barred from entering Japan due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions may be permitted to do so after the current state of emergency is lifted, sources with knowledge of the matter said Saturday.
Prefectural governors urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government on Saturday to present a comprehensive coronavirus vaccination rollout plan as soon as it can.
About 40 percent of a group of elderly Japanese people surveyed recently said they are unsure whether they will undergo vaccination against the coronavirus, indicating many remain wary of potential downsides.

As of 11 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26

Finance chiefs from the Group of 20 advanced and emerging economies held a virtual meeting on Friday to discuss ways to ensure an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and maintain support for poor countries through the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and debt relief.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Friday that Japan will lift its COVID-19 state of emergency for six prefectures at the end of this month, but the Tokyo metropolitan area will have to wait for further signs its situation is improving.
The U.S. drug regulator said Thursday it will allow the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. to be transported and stored for up to two weeks at conventional freezer temperatures instead of the ultracold conditions previously required.
Japan will consider resuming its subsidy program aimed at promoting domestic tourism only in some parts of the country even if the current state of emergency over the novel coronavirus is completely lifted, tourism minister Kazuyoshi Akaba said Thursday.