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Japan Shocks Parents by Moving to Close All Schools Over Coronavirus Japan Shocks Parents by Moving to Close All Schools Over Coronavirus
(about 8 hours later)
TOKYO — After weeks of criticism that Japan was bungling its reaction to the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took the drastic step on Thursday of asking all the country’s schools to close for about a month.TOKYO — After weeks of criticism that Japan was bungling its reaction to the spread of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took the drastic step on Thursday of asking all the country’s schools to close for about a month.
With the number of cases steadily rising and Japan suddenly confronting talk that the Tokyo Olympics may have to be canceled, Mr. Abe is eager to show that he is moving aggressively to control the virus.With the number of cases steadily rising and Japan suddenly confronting talk that the Tokyo Olympics may have to be canceled, Mr. Abe is eager to show that he is moving aggressively to control the virus.
[Read: Will the Olympics go on? Japan’s businesses would like to know.][Read: Will the Olympics go on? Japan’s businesses would like to know.]
The move to shut schools, which would make Japan one of a few countries, including China, to suspend classes nationwide, appeared to be an abrupt reversal of the more cautious stance the administration had taken on the virus.The move to shut schools, which would make Japan one of a few countries, including China, to suspend classes nationwide, appeared to be an abrupt reversal of the more cautious stance the administration had taken on the virus.
Japan, unlike neighboring South Korea and other countries, has not experienced a sharp increase in reported infections. It has had 210 cases, including four deaths. There have also been more than 700 cases and four deaths from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which spent two weeks quarantined while docked in Yokohama.Japan, unlike neighboring South Korea and other countries, has not experienced a sharp increase in reported infections. It has had 210 cases, including four deaths. There have also been more than 700 cases and four deaths from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which spent two weeks quarantined while docked in Yokohama.
But global alarm — and attendant questions about the Olympics — has grown as the virus has spread more rapidly outside China. Mr. Abe’s actions began to reflect that concern on Wednesday, when he requested that large sports and cultural events be postponed or canceled in the coming weeks, a day after saying that such a move was unnecessary.But global alarm — and attendant questions about the Olympics — has grown as the virus has spread more rapidly outside China. Mr. Abe’s actions began to reflect that concern on Wednesday, when he requested that large sports and cultural events be postponed or canceled in the coming weeks, a day after saying that such a move was unnecessary.
[Read: ‘No way out’: In China, coronavirus takes a toll on other patients.][Read: ‘No way out’: In China, coronavirus takes a toll on other patients.]
As he announced the school closings on Thursday, Mr. Abe said he was “putting a priority on children’s health and safety” and trying to pre-empt the risk of widespread outbreaks that could result “from gatherings of many children and teachers for a long time on a daily basis.”As he announced the school closings on Thursday, Mr. Abe said he was “putting a priority on children’s health and safety” and trying to pre-empt the risk of widespread outbreaks that could result “from gatherings of many children and teachers for a long time on a daily basis.”
Speaking before a coronavirus task force meeting, the prime minister said that elementary, middle and high schools should remain closed through spring break. The Japanese school year ends in March, and the new year usually starts at the beginning of April. He did not mention universities or day care centers.Speaking before a coronavirus task force meeting, the prime minister said that elementary, middle and high schools should remain closed through spring break. The Japanese school year ends in March, and the new year usually starts at the beginning of April. He did not mention universities or day care centers.
Although school boards in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, and Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, had already moved to close schools, Mr. Abe’s announcement took parents and analysts by surprise.Although school boards in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, and Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, had already moved to close schools, Mr. Abe’s announcement took parents and analysts by surprise.
“It seems really extreme and really sudden,” said Chelsea Szendi Schieder, an associate professor of economics at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo. “And the implications for people and their daily lives is going to be so big that I’m not sure it’s worth it in terms of public health.”“It seems really extreme and really sudden,” said Chelsea Szendi Schieder, an associate professor of economics at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo. “And the implications for people and their daily lives is going to be so big that I’m not sure it’s worth it in terms of public health.”
Kentaro Iwata, an infectious-disease specialist at Kobe University who had criticized the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak on the Diamond Princess, said school closings were not medically warranted.Kentaro Iwata, an infectious-disease specialist at Kobe University who had criticized the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak on the Diamond Princess, said school closings were not medically warranted.
[Read: As its coronavirus cases dwindle, China is turning its focus outward.][Read: As its coronavirus cases dwindle, China is turning its focus outward.]
“I don’t understand this,” Dr. Iwata said. “Primarily, children are not easily infected with coronavirus, and even if they are infected, they don’t easily fall seriously ill.”“I don’t understand this,” Dr. Iwata said. “Primarily, children are not easily infected with coronavirus, and even if they are infected, they don’t easily fall seriously ill.”
Analysts said political calculations might have weighed more heavily than science, particularly with the Olympics scheduled to begin in July.Analysts said political calculations might have weighed more heavily than science, particularly with the Olympics scheduled to begin in July.
“The Olympics have cast a shadow over the government’s response this whole time,” said Tobias Harris, an expert on Japanese politics at Teneo Intelligence in Washington.“The Olympics have cast a shadow over the government’s response this whole time,” said Tobias Harris, an expert on Japanese politics at Teneo Intelligence in Washington.
“Early on, the response was a little timid and reactive for fear of alienating international visitors,” he said, “and now they’re belatedly realizing that unless they can somehow stop this or contain it that the chances of cancellation seem to be growing by the day.”“Early on, the response was a little timid and reactive for fear of alienating international visitors,” he said, “and now they’re belatedly realizing that unless they can somehow stop this or contain it that the chances of cancellation seem to be growing by the day.”
Mr. Harris added that the move was “a starting gun” for the sort of panic buying and stockpiling that has occurred in places like Hong Kong.Mr. Harris added that the move was “a starting gun” for the sort of panic buying and stockpiling that has occurred in places like Hong Kong.
Parents took to social media to express anxiety about what the school closings would mean for working families — a challenge that Hong Kong parents have been dealing with for weeks as classes have been conducted online, as they have also been in mainland China.Parents took to social media to express anxiety about what the school closings would mean for working families — a challenge that Hong Kong parents have been dealing with for weeks as classes have been conducted online, as they have also been in mainland China.
“As someone who grew up in a single-parent family, I hope the government and companies will take relief measures or compensate single parents, two-income families and other families who might face difficulties due to their jobs,” one commenter wrote on Twitter. “I’m about to puke just thinking about it.”“As someone who grew up in a single-parent family, I hope the government and companies will take relief measures or compensate single parents, two-income families and other families who might face difficulties due to their jobs,” one commenter wrote on Twitter. “I’m about to puke just thinking about it.”
Toshihito Kumagai, the mayor of Chiba, east of Tokyo, said on Twitter that he was shocked by the news and concerned about how parents who work as doctors, social workers, police officers and firefighters would cope.Toshihito Kumagai, the mayor of Chiba, east of Tokyo, said on Twitter that he was shocked by the news and concerned about how parents who work as doctors, social workers, police officers and firefighters would cope.
“Society could collapse,” he warned. He also questioned the move’s effectiveness as parents continue to gather in places like crowded trains.“Society could collapse,” he warned. He also questioned the move’s effectiveness as parents continue to gather in places like crowded trains.
While some companies have instituted teleworking policies to try to prevent outbreaks, Japan has long resisted allowing people to work from home. And even those who can do so will struggle to combine work with child care.While some companies have instituted teleworking policies to try to prevent outbreaks, Japan has long resisted allowing people to work from home. And even those who can do so will struggle to combine work with child care.
“I, myself, we have two elementary school children. My wife also works, so we’re talking if we should send them to our parents in Hiroshima,” said Hajime Kawaguchi, a lawyer in Nagoya with expertise in crisis management.“I, myself, we have two elementary school children. My wife also works, so we’re talking if we should send them to our parents in Hiroshima,” said Hajime Kawaguchi, a lawyer in Nagoya with expertise in crisis management.
“I also had a call from a single father who works at the Toyota factory with two children,” Mr. Kawaguchi added. “He cannot take time off. He was wondering what to do next week.”“I also had a call from a single father who works at the Toyota factory with two children,” Mr. Kawaguchi added. “He cannot take time off. He was wondering what to do next week.”
While shutting schools when the case tally in Japan is still not much more than 200 struck some as an overreaction, experts have noted that the country’s somewhat restrained response to the virus so far has meant that it has not yet tested many people. The true number of coronavirus cases in Japan could be much higher.While shutting schools when the case tally in Japan is still not much more than 200 struck some as an overreaction, experts have noted that the country’s somewhat restrained response to the virus so far has meant that it has not yet tested many people. The true number of coronavirus cases in Japan could be much higher.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“Managing a crisis and developing sound policies depends on knowing the scale of the problem,” said Jeff Kingston, the director of Asian studies at Temple University in Tokyo. “This is more like how authoritarian regimes handle problems, so Abe is still failing this test of his leadership.”“Managing a crisis and developing sound policies depends on knowing the scale of the problem,” said Jeff Kingston, the director of Asian studies at Temple University in Tokyo. “This is more like how authoritarian regimes handle problems, so Abe is still failing this test of his leadership.”
The Japanese government has acute memories of how it was faulted for its slow response to a previous crisis: the nuclear disaster in Fukushima after the earthquake and tsunami in 2011.The Japanese government has acute memories of how it was faulted for its slow response to a previous crisis: the nuclear disaster in Fukushima after the earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
“When there’s a threat that people don’t understand, sometimes you have to do something, even if it’s not relevant,” said Robert Dujarric, director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University. “Any action gives the impression to the voters that the government is in charge.”“When there’s a threat that people don’t understand, sometimes you have to do something, even if it’s not relevant,” said Robert Dujarric, director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University. “Any action gives the impression to the voters that the government is in charge.”
Some parents expressed gratitude for the temporary school closings, as more is still to be learned about how the virus is transmitted. Emi Takase, a senior public relations manager at Hitachi, the electronics maker, said that her 12-year-old son had asthma and that she was already worried about the risk of infection.Some parents expressed gratitude for the temporary school closings, as more is still to be learned about how the virus is transmitted. Emi Takase, a senior public relations manager at Hitachi, the electronics maker, said that her 12-year-old son had asthma and that she was already worried about the risk of infection.
“Honestly,” Ms. Takase said, “I felt relieved.”“Honestly,” Ms. Takase said, “I felt relieved.”
Ms. Takase said her department had just conducted a drill on Wednesday to see if employees could handle their duties while working from home.Ms. Takase said her department had just conducted a drill on Wednesday to see if employees could handle their duties while working from home.
“On the other hand, I feel that there are many companies or people who may not be as fortunate as I am,” she said. “So I just hope that Japan will take this opportunity to find the right way to overcome the situation, because obviously the first impression of the news that schools are closed would be working parents thinking, ‘What shall we do?’”“On the other hand, I feel that there are many companies or people who may not be as fortunate as I am,” she said. “So I just hope that Japan will take this opportunity to find the right way to overcome the situation, because obviously the first impression of the news that schools are closed would be working parents thinking, ‘What shall we do?’”
Eimi Yamamitsu and Hisako Ueno contributed reporting.Eimi Yamamitsu and Hisako Ueno contributed reporting.