The estimated number of foreign travelers to Japan plunged 98.9% in October from a year earlier to 27,400 for the 13th straight month of decline due to the global coronavirus pandemic, government data showed Wednesday.

However, it did mark the first time the number has exceeded the 20,000 level in seven months as the government has eased entry restrictions imposed on 159 countries and regions, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

The number has been on an upward trend since it tumbled to 1,663 in May, the lowest point this year so far, as the government lifted a state of emergency in late May.