March is usually a month of hope as we sense the coming of spring, and the expectation of a new beginning after wrapping up the academic and fiscal year. This year, however, the COVID-19 outbreak has dampened this sentiment as schools are closed nationwide and graduation and other ceremonies are either canceled or being held at much smaller scale. Events such as concerts, shows and conferences/seminars are called off or postponed due to the risk of infections among a large crowd in a closed space.

There is great concern over the economic outlook as the impact of disruptions to the global supply chain and flow of goods and people will be felt for the coming months and possibly beyond. Another concern is whether the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games can be held this summer as Japan has been designated by some nations as a country to avoid traveling to. The new coronavirus outbreak is a forced disruption of regular activities — for schools and for work.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has requested the closure of public schools throughout the country through the spring break at the end of March. Some schools have decided not to close, and others made their facilities open to students who have no other place to go.