Abe's 'Elementary to High School Closures' Move Shows No Infection Prevention Effect

Published 04 Nov.2021 14:02(KST)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A study has found no evidence that the nationwide closure of elementary, middle, and high schools implemented by the Japanese government during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic helped curb the spread of infections.

According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 4th, Gakushuin University, in collaboration with research teams from Harvard University and others, analyzed data from 27 of Japan's 47 prefectures, comparing the number of infections per population during the school closure period from March to June last year.

The analysis showed no statistically significant difference in infection numbers between municipalities that implemented school closures and those that did not. For example, both groups experienced an increase in infections for about a month starting at the end of March last year, followed by a return to previous levels.

In February last year, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced a policy to request a one-month closure of elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide. This policy, decided impulsively based solely on the opinions of aides without expert consultation or inter-ministerial coordination, sparked controversy.

Some local governments did not comply with the central government's school closure request, considering the burden on parents who had to care for children at home.

Professor Kentaro Fukumoto of Gakushuin University, who led the study, stated, "Due to factors such as the emergence of the more infectious Delta variant, the effect of nationwide school closures on infection suppression may differ now compared to then," but added, "However, since school closures reduce children's learning opportunities and affect their mental and physical development, requests for nationwide school closures should be carefully considered."