Tokyo reported 32 new coronavirus cases Saturday, falling below 50 for the seventh consecutive day, as Japan has seen the number of infections falling steadily in tandem with progress in getting people vaccinated.

Tokyo's daily COVID-19 cases have dipped in recent weeks from its peak of more than 5,000 in August, which hammered the capital's medical system.

The seven-day rolling average of new infections stood at 34.3, down 45.8 percent from the previous week, according to the metropolitan government.

People listen to a politician giving a stump speech in Tokyo's Ginza area on Oct. 23, 2021, wearing face masks for protection against the coronavirus. (Kyodo)

The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms has also been trending downward, easing the strain on hospitals and health care workers.

Saturday's daily figure brought Tokyo's cumulative total to 377,399, by far the highest among the nation's 47 prefectures, followed by Osaka Prefecture with 202,079. The capital's death toll stood at 3,117.

Across Japan, 285 daily COVID-19 cases were confirmed.

In the wake of the improved situation, Tokyo, three neighboring prefectures -- Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama -- and Osaka are set to lift their requests for shorter hours to serve alcohol at restaurants and bars on Monday.

In a similar move, Hyogo and Kyoto prefectures, which neighbor Osaka, lifted such requests on Friday.

But as more people have started going out and traveling around the country, health experts have warned of a possible sixth wave of infections this winter.

With some 68 percent of Japan's population having received their second dose of a vaccine, the government plans to roll out booster shots in December.