TOKYO: Japanese prefectures are increasingly moving to extend school closure periods to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Of the 13 prefectures singled out by the Japanese government for particular attention under its coronavirus state of emergency, Ibaraki, Gifu, Aichi and Saitama have decided to close their schools until the end of May.

Previously, their school closures were slated to end on May 6, the date until which the government's state of emergency will be in place.

"It's appropriate to reopen schools after a certain period of time after examining the effects of the state of emergency," said Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura. The summer holiday period will be cut short substantially to secure enough class hours, he said.

Ibaraki Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa said, "We found it difficult to end our school closures on May 6, given the current situation." He said, "We can't help being cautious" about when to reopen schools.

The Tokyo metropolitan government extended its school closure period by two days until May 8. It believes that it would take time to notify municipalities of its school closure policy if the central government takes a decision on a possible extension of the state of emergency period shortly before May 6.

Chiba, Osaka and Fukuoka also lengthened their school closure periods by two days. Hokkaido is currently considering whether to extend their school closure periods.

Gunma, Shiga, Hiroshima and Kumamoto, which are not among the 13 prefectures, plan to close schools until the end of May.

Ichita Yamamoto, governor of Gunma, said it is necessary to examine the situation for at least around two weeks after the country's Golden Week holiday period in late April and early May.

JIJI Press