Schools heed Abe's call to close during virus crisis despite outcry

Many schools across Japan will close during the coronavirus outbreak in line with a request from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, even though amid public outcry on Friday he reiterated that local authorities have final say.Abe's sudden request to close all elementary, junior high and high schools in the country from Monday, several weeks ahead of the start of their spring break in late March, has triggered confusion among teachers, students and parents who say they have had no time to prepare for the unexpected break.On Thursday, Abe surprised many when he announced the school closure plan throug…READ FULL ARTICLE