Japan's daily number of COVID-19 infections has topped 60,000 for the first time on Tuesday, the highest since the pandemic hit. 

The Japanese government on Tuesday approved a plan to expand COVID-19 quasi-emergency measures to 18 more prefectures, with the tougher restrictions coming into effect from Thursday.
The quasi-emergency measures will be in effect until February 20, with 34 of Japan's 47 prefectures subject to more stringent anti-virus measures.