A U.S. military base in western Japan asked Japanese employees not to send their children to local schools in a bid to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the local board of education said Monday.
Elementary and junior high schools in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, reopened on May 7 after their closure as part of measures against the virus spread.
But a total of 55 children were absent from two local elementary schools Friday due to a request by U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, according to the city's board of education.
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Children of military personnel and U.S. employees working at the base who attend schools outside the facility are prohibited from going to the schools. Japanese employees were also asked to take similar steps for their children.
Japanese employees at the base are not allowed to work there if their children attend local schools. They are only permitted to reenter the base 14 days after their child has stopped attending.
Among residents, even some parents not working at the base have kept their children home from schools due to concerns over the virus. On Thursday, 192 elementary and junior high school students were absent, including voluntary absences.
A spokesperson at the base said that it was of the utmost importance to limit the spread of the virus and protect the strength of the military. The base has confirmed with the board of education that there would not be any disadvantage for students because of their absences, the spokesperson added.
