Japan To Not Extend School Closures
Japan's education minister says the nationwide school closures will not be extended beyond spring break.
Koichi Hagiuda spoke to reporters after a meeting of the government's task force on the new coronavirus outbreak on Friday.
He said the ministry will draw up guidelines on reopening schools as early as next week, as instructed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Nationwide school closures began in early March at the prime minister's request. A new school year normally begins in April.
Hagiuda said he has heard that the lengthy closure has caused schools to fall behind in their curriculum, and has increased stress for children.
He said he will prepare to reopen schools based on the proposals and analysis of experts given in Thursday's meeting, and in accordance with the circumstances of each region.
