Abe Urges All Schools to Be Closed in Coronavirus Fight

Tokyo, Feb. 27 (Jiji Press)--Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday requested the emergency closure of all elementary, junior high and senior high schools in Japan to prevent a further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The nationwide closure, which will also affect special schools for children with disabilities, should run from Monday until the start of the spring break, Abe said. The extremely unusual request apparently reflects his administration's heightened vigilance against an explosive epidemic ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in summer. "In order to contain the (coronavirus) spread as soon as possible, we need to take thorough measures," Abe said at a meeting of the government's headquarters for responding to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Abe instructed related ministers to draw up promptly legislation necessary for curbing the virus spread. "The next week or two will be a crucial period," Abe stressed. He mentioned infection risks to children and teachers spending long hours together on a daily basis. Abe also requested that school entrance examinations and graduation ceremonies be held with measures to block infection and with limited attendees. The prime minister called on companies and administrative agencies to give full consideration to workers with children. The government "will deal responsibly with any problems arising from measures" related to the school closure, he said. In its basic policy adopted Tuesday on responding to the coronavirus crisis, the government left any decision on whether to call off classes to local authorities. The Hokkaido prefectural government and the city government of Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, have decided to close all publicly run elementary and junior high schools temporarily. END