The number of people infected with the new coronavirus is rising across the country.

The Japanese government has listed five situations which increase the risk of infection.

1. Social gatherings with alcohol consumption

2. Eating and drinking in large groups or for a long time

3. Conversations without a mask

4. Communal living in small spaces

5. Switching location

Drinking alcohol lowers a person’s ability to be careful and when a large group of people spend a long time together, the risk of infection is increased because airborne droplets are more likely to be expelled into the air.

When you move to another location, such as a break room or smoking room, the risk of infection may increase due to feelings of relaxation and changes in the environment.

If you are going to drink alcohol,

①    Drink in a small group for a short time,

②    Try to drink with people you usually spend time with,

③    Don’t drink a lot or go on pub crawls. Drink in moderation.

And make the these efforts to lower the risk of infection when enjoying group meals:

•    Do not share chopsticks or glasses. Each person should use their own.

•    Arrange seating so you are diagonally opposite each other, and not directly in front of each other.

•    When conversing, wear a mask.

•    Visit establishments that are properly ventilated and that are strictly adhering to the guidelines.

•    Do not participate if you are feeling unwell.

Also, please continue to do the following:

•    The basics are to wear a mask, and avoid the 3C’s. Ventilate rooms appropriately.

•    Keep gatherings small and short.

•    Don’t talk loudly. Conversations should be as quiet as possible.

•    Thoroughly clean and disinfect communal facilities and wash and sanitize hands properly. 

We ask for your cooperation in avoiding behaviors that have a high risk of infection in order to suppress clusters and prevent the spread of infection.