Society

Surfers urged to keep away from beaches

Apr 24 (NHK) - A Japanese surfers' association is asking its members to stay at home because a state of emergency is in place for the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nippon Surfing Association posted a message on its website on Wednesday, ahead of the spring holidays that begin next week.

A large number of people went to beaches last weekend in Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures, near Tokyo. Some areas had more visitors than before the emergency declaration was issued. Prefectural governors and officials have appealed to people to stay away.

The association says people in rural areas are feeling a sense of crisis about the visiting surfers, as they have a large number of elderly and limited medical resources. It adds that protecting lives is important.

It urges surfers to unite in the fight against the coronavirus so that the day will soon come when they can safely go to the beach again.

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