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[Trojita]

Japan usually starts a new school year in April, so they'd normally have some time off for their small spring break, but this is much longer and an unexpected.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/02/27/national/hokkaido-coronavirus-school/

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday asked all elementary, junior high and high schools nationwide to close from Monday through the students’ spring break, which typically ends in early April.

“Efforts have been made to prevent the spread of infection among children in each region, and these one or two weeks will be an extremely critical period,” Abe told a meeting of key Cabinet ministers on the coronavirus outbreak crisis.

“The government attaches the top priority to the health and safety of children, among others,” he said.

Later Thursday, the health and welfare ministry said Abe’s request does not apply to day care centers for children and after-school facilities for elementary school students.

Abe’s surprise announcement came as the number of confirmed COVID-19 virus patients kept surging, exceeding 200 across Japan as of Thursday evening, excluding the more than 700 infected patients related to the virus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship.

 

[Cunth]

When Asians don’t go to school u know it’s serious

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

Makes sense if children are more vulnerable to the effects of the virus.

Homeschoolers crying right now.

 

[ThatStupidLion]

thats crazy - also, granted many families live with elders who can watch the kids, how will this affect the parents who now have to find daycare for them? im not familiar with Japans daycare culture/PTO for parents. will this be disruptive or easily managed?

 

[Cybrwzrd]

Makes no sense to just close schools.

 

[#Phonepunk#]

damn that is some crazy stuff

 

[MiyazakiHatesKojima]

God, I really wish I was born in Japan instead of this shithole place called Earth

 

[Fushitsusha]

God, I really wish I was born in Japan instead of this shithole place called Earth

Relax, weeb.

 

[triplestation]

that's exactly what I would have done

I've always felt Japanese myself

 

[synchronicity]

When Asians don’t go to school u know it’s serious

I know right. You can't become a Dr. sitting at home. (It seems like almost every Asian family I've met pushes their child towards being a doctor. You'd think we'd have too many doctors sooner or later. )

 

[Mista]

Here in my country they have shut down all private and public schools/universities for two weeks. It started before yesterday

 

[Kacchan]

Here in my country they have shut down all private and public schools/universities for two weeks. It started before yesterday

Two weeks and everything will be safe again!

 

[IntentionalPun]

But how will Senpai notice me?

 

[xrnzaaas]

This is a good step to slow down the spread. Btw I realize that culture Japan is different, but in my country the easiest way to get sick is from your kids as many parents don't give a crap and they send sick kids to kindergarten / school anyway.

 

[E-Cat]

Makes sense if children are more vulnerable to the effects of the virus.

Homeschoolers crying right now.

Childten are actually much less susceptible than average.

But this is still likely the most deathly threat that they face at that age.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

Childten are actually much less susceptible than average.

But this is still likely the most deathly threat that they face at that age.

Ah, good to know. Thank you. I thought that kids and elderly were most at risk for dying from it.

 

[cryptoadam]

Just a flu bro

 

[Smiles and Cries]

My Olympic chances slipping away after 8 long years of hard work. If School is cancelled no way the games go on

 

[Quasicat]

That sucks if they have to make all of that time off up. We only get 8 calamity days a year and we’re almost out. If they canceled school for a month, we would be going until sometime in July.

 

[Elektro Demon]

I wish it spreads to my country as well. Maybe I wouldn't have to go to work.

 

[President Evil]

I wish it spreads to my country as well. Maybe I wouldn't have to go to work.

What country are you from? I’m genuinely interested to find out.

 

[Elektro Demon]

What country are you from? I’m genuinely interested to find out.

I live in one of those mountain sheds in Pakistan.

 

[President Evil]

I live in one of those mountain sheds in Pakistan.

They got good Wi-Fi?

 

[Elektro Demon]

They got good Wi-Fi?

Yeah, but since I'm so high up in the mountains I have access to 3g only. No 4g for mountain people. That's racist if you ask me.

Srsly, I'm from Croatia. Why do you wanna know?

 

[Halo is Back]

God, I really wish I was born in Japan instead of this shithole place called Earth

Learn Japanese, like REALLY learn it. Then move there and apply to be a English teacher (high demand for English there). Kill two birds with one stone. You got a job and you live in Japan

 

[President Evil]

Learn Japanese, like REALLY learn it. Then move there and apply to be a English teacher (high demand for English there). Kill two birds with one stone. You got a job and you live in Japan

That’s my dream right there.

Elektro, I was just curious. No real reason. Don’t worry, I’m not going to SWAT you.

 

[Halo is Back]

Makes no sense to just close schools.

A virus/ sickness can spread easily in a school setting, especially considering how contagious the virus is so their fears are not unfounded.

 

[Cybrwzrd]

A virus/ sickness can spread easily in a school setting, especially considering how contagious the virus is so their fears are not unfounded.

Yes, but just closing the schools and not the offices and especially public transportation systems, isn't exactly going to stop the spread.

 

[Halo is Back]

Yes, but just closing the schools and not the offices and especially public transportation systems, isn't exactly going to stop the spread.

It’s not about stopping the spread it’s about slowing it down and removing the most vulnerable from the equation. They are not at the point yet where all civil functions need to be stopped

 

[Shouta]

That sucks if they have to make all of that time off up. We only get 8 calamity days a year and we’re almost out. If they canceled school for a month, we would be going until sometime in July.

They should have like 2 weeks or so off until the new school year starts anyway so this is just extending it about 2 weeks and its the end of the school for most.

 

[DeliciousDoc]

Kids have been practicing hard to send off the graduating classes and tests are finished. Kids will miss the chance to say goodbye properly and to get closure. Academically the students lose very little by closing the school this week but they will lose out on a big event.

 

[SLoWMoTIoN]

Bro just stop everything everywhere for 3 months!

 

[lifa-cobex]

I wish it spreads to my country as well. Maybe I wouldn't have to go to work.

I work in a funeral directory.

This shit is my bread and butter

 

[President Evil]

I work in a funeral directory.

This shit is my bread and butter

Business is good, yes?

 

[lifa-cobex]

Business is good, yes?

It's dead atm......................

 

[AlteredForms]

Japanese children be like...