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Coronavirus Outbreak: Schools In Japan, Hong Kong Shut Until April To Ensure Safety Of Children
Swarajya Staff
Feb 28, 2020, 06:00 PM | Updated 06:00 PM IST
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Japan ,on Thursday (27 February), has decided to shut all schools until 8 April calling the next two weeks critical for controlling the spread of the coronavirus, reports BBC.
A similar decision has been taken by authorities in Hong Kong who have shut all schools down until 20 April.
This drastic decision has been taken in the interests of the Japanese people and children, and according to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe the decision has been taken to "stem the risk of many children and teachers becoming infected through gathering for long hours every day."
However, this decision has received criticism from parents because that could keep wage earners at home.
The government said it would work with companies and has urged public services and private companies to allow its employees to take time off.
In Japan, many employees have been asked to work from home as a precautionary measure.
Regions of Italy which have been the worst hit by coronavirus have shut down schools as well. So far 17 people have died in Italy due to coronavirus and 650 cases have been confirmed.
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