Industry Minister Asks For Staggered Hours
Japan's industry minister Hiroshi Kajiyama says he will call on the business sector to actively introduce staggered working hours and telework to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
The comment came ahead of the government's official announcement of its basic policies against the outbreak.
Kajiyama told reporters on Tuesday after a cabinet meeting that such measures will be effective in stopping the further spread of the virus.
The ministry will request that business organizations and companies encourage employees to avoid commuting during rush hours or work from home.
It will also ask them to create an environment where sick people can take time off easily.
Kajiyama also said he is carefully monitoring the effects of the outbreak, including the sharp fall of stock prices worldwide.
The minister said the government plans to be flexible regarding loans and guarantees to small and medium-sized companies for the time being.
