The Tokyo Metropolitan Government confirmed a smaller number of new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, but there were few signs of relief as the central government is contemplating whether to extend the state of emergency beyond May 6.

Wednesday’s new cases in the nation’s capital came to 47, down from the 112 reported the previous day. That brings the total number of infections in the capital to 4,106, metropolitan government data showed.

But it still remains to be seen whether the smaller number of new cases reported on the day is an indication that the state of emergency is working in the nation’s largest city.

On Wednesday, nine people died from COVID-19 in Tokyo, surpassing the previous daily high of seven and bringing the total deaths to 117, the metropolitan government said.

RELATED PHOTOS A bullet train platform at Tokyo Station in almost empty Wednesday as fewer people than usual are leaving the capital during the Golden Week holidays due to the coronavirus pandemic. | REUTERS