The government "will respond flexibly" regarding entry restrictions on foreign nationals aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 infections, Daishiro Yamagiwa, the minister in charge of the government's pandemic response, said Friday, suggesting that the rules could be eased.

Asked during a Lower House committee session whether the government is considering allowing foreign people, including technical trainees, into the country, Yamagiwa said the government is already considering it, adding that the basic framework now in place will be maintained at least until the end of February — but there are ways to work around it.

Broadcaster TBS reported that the government will present a policy covering whether to ease the entry ban as early as next week.