The 12-member panel created ten proposals, laying out advice on how to fight the outbreak. Sources tell NHK that the government asked the experts to reword or delete portions of the crucial documents -more than once.

In early March, the experts wrote "there is a possibility that people with mild or no symptoms are widely spreading the virus."

But the phrase "with no symptoms" was cut and the statement revised to say "people with mild symptoms are unknowingly playing a significant role in spreading the virus."

Government officials reportedly said the original wording could trigger panic. They went on to say there is nothing they can do about carriers who don't have symptoms.

One member says the panel needs to coordinate with the government to ensure their proposals are effective.

But another member says they should present their views independently, without the government stepping in.

The head of the panel says the government needs to make clear that it will finalize and implement policies. The panel needs to focus on creating recommendations.

The director-general of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Takaji Wakita said, "The question is how Japan can prepare for a possible second wave of infections, which may come fairly soon. It's not over yet. We will continue to work hard to contain the disease.