This situation is getting out of control. It might destroy the world economy and create a 1929 -like crisis.

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s entire school system, from elementary to high schools, will be asked to close from Monday until spring break late in March to help contain the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday.

The dramatic escalation of Japan’s fight against the virus follows rising criticism of what has been seen as a lukewarm government response.

“This coming week or two are an extremely important period,” Abe told a coronavirus task force.