Gov't will ask all schools in Japan to shut over virus fears: PM Abe
1 hour ago | KYODO NEWS
Gov't will ask all schools in Japan to shut over virus fears: PM Abe
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday the government will request all elementary, junior high and high schools in Japan to close from Monday until the end of spring break amid concern over the spread of the new coronavirus. Abe instructed the government to "prepare necessary legislation to curb the spread of infections and minimize the impact on the lives of people as well as the economy." Nursery schools will be excluded from the nationwide closure request, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. Abe issued the instruction in a meeting of the government's task force to fight the pneumonia-causing virus, which originated in the city of Wuhan in central China. <updates to follow> Related coverage: Mask makers distance themselves from Abe's coronavirus guarantee Spectators shut out as large events respond to coronavirus threat Hokkaido eyes temporary shutdown of all schools to fight coronavirus
