People walk across a pedestrian crossing near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Tokyo on March 3. Jae C. Hong/AP

Japan has confirmed 17 new coronavirus infections, bringing the national total to 991 cases, according to authorities.

Of those, 706 cases are linked to the Diamond Princess cruise ship, according to the health ministry. Another 284 were infected on land. Twelve patients have died.

One of the new patients infected with the virus was in Yamaguchi prefecture, making it the area's first case.