Schools struggle to secure learning opportunities in omicron outbreak

A social studies class combining online and in-person attendance is held at Izumi Elementary School in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on Jan. 31. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

Schools are struggling to maintain a learning environment for students amid an increasing number of school-related infections with the omicron variant of the novel coronavirus.

Nationwide survey results released on Feb. 4 by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry show that 5,841 public schools from kindergarten through high school -- about one public school in six -- had closed certain classes, certain grades or even the entire school as of Jan. 26.