New virus request to consider closing schools in Hokkaido Governor February 26 4:39
Governor Suzuki of Hokkaido has called on the Hokkaido Board of Education to consider closing all public schools, given the spread of the new coronavirus to educational settings.
In Hokkaido, five new cases of the new coronavirus infection so far have been confirmed on the 25th, with 35 people being the largest in the country, including children, teachers, caterers for school meals, and school buses. It has also spread to educational sites such as drivers.
In response to this situation, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Hagiikuta told Hokkaido that "temporary closure of schools is desirable" to prioritize the safety of children and students.
In response, Governor Suzuki said at a meeting on the 25th that "Parents have heard many voices of anxiety. I think it is necessary to consider including closing schools to eliminate anxiety." Requested the Road Board of Education to consider closing all public schools to prevent the spread of infection and reduce anxiety.
An official at the Road Education Committee stated in an interview with NHK that he "would like to take the governor's remarks seriously and consider it."