Let's start with the latest on a controversial decision here in Japan surrounding the coronavirus. The prime minister is defending his government's plan to shut down schools nationwide and says he will never hesitate to take necessary steps to curb the spread of the contagion.
Shinzo Abe requested the closures of all elementary, junior and senior high schools, from next week through the start of the spring holidays. The directive has sparked concern and criticism across the country and will potentially impact more than 12 million students.
Abe asked for understanding and said the government will be responsible for issues resulting from the school closures.
(Shinzo Abe / Japanese Prime Minister)
"The period of time in the coming week or two is crucial to contain the spread of infections. The government will give the utmost priority to protecting the lives and health of Japanese people and take necessary measures depending on the development of the situation."
Shinzo Abe requested the closures of all elementary, junior and senior high schools, from next week through the start of the spring holidays. The directive has sparked concern and criticism across the country and will potentially impact more than 12 million students.
Abe asked for understanding and said the government will be responsible for issues resulting from the school closures.
(Shinzo Abe / Japanese Prime Minister)
"The period of time in the coming week or two is crucial to contain the spread of infections. The government will give the utmost priority to protecting the lives and health of Japanese people and take necessary measures depending on the development of the situation."
◆curb 食い止める to control or limit something in order to prevent it from having a harmful effect
◆contagion 伝染 technical a situation in which a disease is spread by people touching each other
◆spark 口火を切る to be the cause of something, especially trouble or violence 類義語 provoke
◆utmost priority 最優先 important and needing to be done or dealt with quickly