Restaurant chain operator Saizeriya Co. said it will deliver special paper napkins that can be used in tandem with customers' masks while they are eating to prevent the spread of airborne droplets. The company will distribute the napkins to its chains nationwide within this month
To use the napkin, customers would fold their masks in half above their mouth, then attach the napkin to the mask, essentially covering the lower part of their face. As the napkin, called "Shabereru-kun," is not fixed in place, customers can eat while wearing the paper covering. And even if they are talking while eating, the napkin will still be able to stop spittle from flying, hence limiting the dissemination of airborne droplets, according to the company.
With the number of customers at restaurant and bars decreasing due to the virus outbreak, Saizeriya President Issei Horino believes it is necessary to find alternative solutions to refraining from eating out.
"The eating-out industry would not be able to endure if requests to refrain from operations are repeated. It's vital to rack our brains for survival," Horino said at a press briefing in Tokyo on Friday.
Horino also said that the company will encourage other restaurants to use the paper napkins as they can be obtained at a low cost.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
