August 26, 2021

The New Japan Women's Association (Shinfujin or NJWA) on August 25 submitted to the Education Ministry and the Health and Welfare Ministry a written request demanding government measures be implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections in schools when students go back to school after the summer vacation.

Japanese Communist Party member of the House of Councilors Kira Yoshiko and JCP member of the House of Representatives Hatano Kimie joined in this action.

In the petitioning, Shinfujin members pointed out that many parents are concerned about the start of the second semester amid a rapid rise in infections among children caused by the delta variant.

Shinfujin in its document demanded government measures such as conducting free PCR tests to all of those who wish to take the test; providing financial support to parents who need to take days off in order to care for their children whose schools are either temporarily closed or have introduced a staggered attendance scheme; and taking action to avoid crowded classrooms.