Jun 13, 2020 09:00:00

What are the new coronavirus measures that should be implemented in cafes and restaurants?

The emergency declaration to prevent the spread of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

was lifted nationwide on May 25, 2020, and the number of people visiting restaurants and cafes is increasing. Lisa Bricknell, a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland's Faculty of Environmental Health, explains how to avoid the spread of the new coronavirus in such cafes and restaurants.

How to stay safe in restaurants and cafes
https://theconversation.com/how-to-stay-safe-in-restaurants-and-cafes-139117

In response to the Act on Special Measures Against New Influenza , which was established on March 13, 2020, Prime Minister Abe will target the seven prefectures of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka on April 7, 2020. An emergency declaration was issued. On April 16, the scope of the emergency declaration was expanded to the whole country, but on May 14, the emergency declaration was canceled in 39 prefectures except Hokkaido, Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo. , On May 25, the declaration of emergency in 1 metropolitan area and 3 prefectures and Hokkaido was lifted. The one-and-a-half month-long emergency declaration was put to an end.

The number of people going to restaurants and cafes has increased following the cancellation of the emergency declaration calling for voluntary refraining from going out. However, anti-virus measures are still important because the number of new COVID-19 infections is not zero.

According to Bricknell, it is important to consider the 'virus infection route' in anti-virus measures at restaurants and cafes. It is said that the new coronavirus spreads by inhaling the flying particles released by sneezing and coughing, and by touching the mucous membrane with the hands touching the flying particles. Therefore, Mr. Bricknell explained that it is important to consider the 'path of flight'.

For example, about doorknobs, tables, chairs, menus, and cutlery that we must touch when entering a restaurant or cafe, 'Those infected with COVID-19 have thousands of viruses left behind. Is possible,” said Bricknell. He explained that if you touch such an object and then touch your face, the virus may enter your body and become infected. The virus on your hands can be removed by 'hand washing', but in the case of cafes and restaurants, it is possible that the virus is attached to the door knob of the restroom.

In addition, not only hand washing but also 'drying of hands' is important for measures against the new coronavirus. The best way to dry your hands against the new coronavirus is explained in the following article.

Not only hand washing but also 'hand wiping' is important for infectious disease prevention, what is the best hand wiping? -GIGAZINE

In addition, there is the possibility that the restaurant may even be hit by the fluttering shots of others. Flying particles emitted from the waiter may adhere to cups and tableware, and flying particles emitted from the mouths of other customers may be carried by the air conditioner. In addition, there seems to be a risk of infection at the timing of payment, and it has been pointed out that infection with a credit card payment may spread through a device that inputs a personal identification number. The only good news is the World Health Organization's announcement that COVID-19 will not spread via food, says Bricknell.

Regarding such concerns, Mr. Bricknell also explains specific countermeasures. Bricknell advised cafe and restaurant operators to 'separate each seat by at least 1.5 meters.' It is safe if the distance between the seats is 1.5 meters or more, since the flight that is released by normal breathing falls within 1.5 meters. However, since there is a risk that the air from the air conditioner will carry the fly, it is necessary for the operator to consider the 'air direction of the air conditioner.'

Also, 'Wipe the table or chair with a disinfectant diluted with bleach before the next customer arrives at the seat.' 'Put the cutlery with the meal instead of putting the cutlery and tableware on the table. 'The staff not only keeps a social distance with customers, but also refrains from working if there is coughing, sneezing, or in contact with COVID-19 positives,' Bricknell recommended. ..

'There are fewer new cases of the new coronavirus in most Australian states, but we shouldn't be alert. We should continue to take precautions to reduce the risk of spread in cafes and restaurants.' '.