Japan's "maternity mark" used to indicate that the wearer is pregnant is seen in this file photo.

TOKYO -- In response to the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare on April 1 compiled measures to prevent pregnant women from contracting the virus.

Because there are concerns that women could contract the virus during their commutes or at their workplaces, the ministry's measures seek that work environments in which pregnant working women can feel free to take time off be set up, and also promote teleworking and staggered commuting times. Additionally, the ministry will distribute cloth masks to pregnant women through their municipal governments.

The ministry has asked for the cooperation of business organizations such as the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), as well as the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo). As for wages when business operators have their pregnant workers take time off in relation to the coronavirus, the ministry says that it is ideal for employers and workers to hold discussions, and for employers to establish a paid special leave system or other measures that reflect the contents of those discussions.

From mid-April onward, the ministry will distribute two cloth masks per pregnant woman at public health centers and other facilities of local municipalities. It also asks that pregnant women "take preventative measures, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding crowded places," and to promptly contact local centers for returnees and people who have come in contact with those who have the virus if they show symptoms such as a fever of at least 37.5 degrees Celsius for around two days.

(Japanese original by Satoko Nakagawa, Integrated Digital News Center)