The outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus has begun to be conspicuous among schoolchildren. The government's latest move is apparently aimed at reducing the risk of the viral infection spreading as much as possible.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed his intention to call for all elementary, junior high and high schools as well as special-needs schools across the nation to close temporarily from March 2 until the end of their spring breaks.
A large number of children gather at schools. Once students develop symptoms of the illness, infection is likely to spread rapidly. There is also a risk of transmitting it to their family members when they return home.
Clusters of patients, whose infection routes remain unknown, have been found in various areas of the country. These one to two weeks are an extremely crucial period to contain a full-blown outbreak.
The unusual step of closing all schools nationwide can be seen as a sign of the government's sense of urgency.
In Hokkaido, the temporary closure of elementary and junior high schools had already been implemented on Thursday. The Tokyo metropolitan government had decided to start spring break ahead of schedule after final exams at about 200 schools, including metropolitan high schools.
With local governments taking their own measures to close schools one after another, there seems to be an aspect of the central government finding it necessary to present a unified approach to the outbreak.
However, various confusion is expected as all schools close.
What is to be done with final exams scheduled for March? If the tests are not carried out, it will inevitably affect the evaluation of students' academic performances.
Schools also have entrance exams and graduation ceremonies scheduled. These events are all important to children. If these events are held, it is necessary to take all possible measures to prevent infection such as by thoroughly controlling hygiene at the venues.
Efforts are also urged to encourage children to study at home by giving them assignments in order to help them continue learning while their schools are closed. In case class hours become insufficient, it is hoped that appropriate supplementary classes will be provided after the schools reopen.
Once the closure of all schools is implemented, consideration for parents and guardians is essential.
If after-school care facilities for students and other services cannot function well, there will be more parents and guardians who must take care of their children during the daytime. In cases of single parents and double-income households, they are likely to be forced to take time off work.
It is imperative for each company to create an environment that will allow employees to take time off more easily. It is also hoped that teleworking and other working-from-home measures will be introduced more actively.
Some people will find it difficult to make a living if their income is greatly reduced by staying away from work for an extended period of time. Shouldn't the government consider financial support for those who take days off for their children because of the virus outbreak?
Kindergartens and nursery schools are also expected to close. Due consideration should be given also to parents and guardians with young children.
-- This article appeared in the print version of The Yomiuri Shimbun on Feb. 28, 2020.
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