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Japan to close schools nationwide to control spread of coronavirus

Published:Thursday | February 27, 2020 | 1:15 PM
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, speaks during a meeting of a task force on the new coronavirus at his official residence in Tokyo Thursday, February 27, 2020. (Kyodo News via AP)

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe asked all elementary, middle and high schools nationwide on Thursday to close until late March to help control the spread of the new virus in the country.

The request caught many local officials by surprise.

While not legally binding, it is expected to be largely followed.

It will affect 12.8 million students at about 34,800 schools nationwide, according to the education ministry.

“The coming week or two is an extremely important time,” Abe said.

“This is to prioritise the health and safety of the children and take precautions to avoid the risk of possible large-scale infections.”

The decision comes amid growing concern about the rise in the number of untraceable cases of the virus in northern Japan and elsewhere.

Japan now has more than 910 cases, including 705 from a quarantined cruise ship.

An eighth death from the virus was confirmed Thursday on the northern island of Hokkaido.

Abe’s announcement came hours after several local governments had announced their own decisions to suspend classes for shorter periods.

Japan’s school year ends in March, leaving little time for final exams or graduation ceremonies.

Schools should keep exams and graduation ceremonies to a minimum and take all necessary precautions, Abe said.

The Japanese government has also asked companies to allow employees to work flexible hours or work from home to reduce infection risks.

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