Japan's education ministry has urged prefectural education boards and others to take thorough measures to prevent discrimination and prejudice against workers exposed to higher risks of contracting the novel coronavirus, Jiji Press has learned.

The ministry's action, taken on Thursday, was prompted by a case in which an elementary school in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, demanded a child of a truck driver stay home, although the child had no health issue, according to informed sources.

Recognizing the case as "extremely inappropriate," transport minister Kazuyoshi Akaba had requested the education ministry to prevent similar cases.

In its notice to local education boards, the ministry stressed that any acts of discrimination or prejudice against health workers, those involved in maintaining social functions, and their families are "inappropriate and should never happen."

The ministry called for behavior based on accurate information on the coronavirus epidemic.

JIJI Press