A new survey shows that about 80 percent of the children who contracted the coronavirus in Japan were likely infected by family members.

The Japan Pediatric Society has created a database of coronavirus infected children from newborn to the age of 19. The data was provided by medical institutions from across the country that participated in the survey.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has asked for understanding for the government's request to shut down schools around the country, and promised financial and other support for parents who are inconvenienced.

Abe held a news conference on Saturday to explain his commitment to containing the spread of the new coronavirus, following his government's request for school closures.