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Abstract |
In Japan, from late February 2020, the number of people infected with COVID-19 increased. The governor declared a state of emergency on February 28 in Hokkaido, where the infection spread faster than in other parts of Japan. The Japanese government abruptly requested the closure of all elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools starting March 2. Consequently, universities, high schools, elementary and junior high schools, kindergartens, and daycare facilities were closed, and parents had to stay home to care for their children. Although initially, there were no clear guidelines for going out or playing in parks, one week after the school closure, the government announced that outdoor exercise and walking will be allowed. Although there were some differences between areas, schools remained closed until the end of May. The three-month-long closure of schools restricted childrens outings and physical activities and significantly impacted their lifestyles, development, and mental health. In this study, we report on the changes in the lives of pre- schoolers, elementary school students, and junior high school students and indicate how their outdoor activities were changed during this period of school closure. The study is based on a questionnaire survey of childrens parents. |
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