Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on February 27 the closure of all elementary, junior high and high schools in Japan from March 2 through the end of a spring break in early April in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection. We must protect the children from coronavirus. The closure of these schools is at the center of talks everywhere—in the Diet (at the meeting of the Committee on Budget), among people’s gatherings, in the newspapers, and on TV programs. There are a lot of detailed issues to be resolved, but now that the government has made the decision, I will fully support it. The closure of schools is prerequisite as a decisive measure for protecting children from the spread of the new coronavirus infection. I am afraid that Japan’s economic and financial activities are also being affected by the coronavirus infection.
The Prime Minister’s decision reminds me of an old saying, ‘Fear the consequences correctly’. It means that when you face a grave situation, you should pay careful attention but you should not be seized by too much fear, and you must keep your presence of mind. It is necessary for you to collect the most accurate information and take the most appropriate actions.
