Japan Likely to Start School Early Next Month... Announces Guidelines Including Quarantine Measures

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Despite the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the Japanese government announced guidelines on the 24th for the reopening of schools in April. In Japan, nationwide elementary, middle, and high schools had begun closures starting from the 2nd of this month.

According to NHK and other broadcasts, Koichi Hagiuda, Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, stated at a press conference following the Cabinet meeting on the same day, "Although the situation has not improved compared to when the simultaneous school closures began, public awareness of preventing the spread of infection has increased," and announced the decision to reopen schools.

The "School Reopening Guidelines" released by Minister Hagiuda included conditions proposed by the government expert panel. It emphasized the importance of avoiding poorly ventilated enclosed spaces, preventing large gatherings of people, and thoroughly preventing close-range conversations. Accordingly, classrooms are to be ventilated frequently, and masks are to be worn when conversing at close range. Additionally, if a student or staff member tests positive after schools reopen, attendance of close contacts will be suspended, and based on the infection situation, temporary school closures or class suspensions will be requested.

Earlier, on the 27th of last month, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his intention to request nationwide elementary, middle, and high schools to close simultaneously until the start of spring break. On the following day, the 28th, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology notified the education boards of all 47 prefectures of this intention, and school closures began from the 2nd of this month. Subsequently, on the 20th, Prime Minister Abe expressed his intention at the expert panel meeting to lift the temporary school closure request and instructed the Ministry of Education to prepare related guidelines. Although there are regional differences, Japan’s spring break generally runs from mid to late March until early April. It is expected that a significant number of schools in Japan will reopen in early April.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.