Japan school closure plan stuns parents, officials

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on Feb 27, asked all elementary, middle and high schools nationwide to close until late March from March 2 to help control the spread of the new virus in the country. - AP

TOKYO (AFP): The Japanese government's abrupt call for schools nationwide to close over the coronavirus outbreak has caught parents and administrators off-guard, prompting criticism even as some experts defended the move.

On Thursday (Feb 27) night, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced he would ask primary, junior high and high schools to shut their doors for around a month, though nurseries and after-school clubs are exempt.