School closures begin as Japan steps up coronavirus fight english.kyodonews.net

As confusion spreads among many local authorities across Japan, some schools held their final classes or left facilities open for children who cannot stay home alone while their parents are at work.
In Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture, meanwhile, an elementary school is to be closed from the afternoon but held final classes in the morning.
Abe announced the school closure plan Thursday evening, calling for them to remain shut through the end of the spring break in early April, when the new school year starts in Japan.
A total of 962 infections have been confirmed in Japan, with Ehime Prefecture reporting its first case Monday -- a woman in her 40s.
She visited a music venue in Osaka in mid-February, where a few others had tested positive for the virus.