Plastic Barriers, The Way Of Minimarkets In Japan To Implement Physical Distancing

JAKARTA - According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 can be spread from person to person through tiny droplets from the nose or mouth that come out when someone sneezes or coughs. Therefore, maintaining distance or physical distancing is a mandatory case for people to break the chain of spreading COVID-19.

On that basis, several minimarkets in Japan have taken new actions in the form of installing plastic barriers between consumers and cashiers. This was done as a step so that Japanese citizens can shop comfortably while maintaining their distance.

As reported by Reuters, thanks to the installation of transparent plastic barriers at shopping locations, Japanese citizens claim to feel safer to shop. "I actually feel safer," said restaurant owner, Isao Otsuka, who shopped at 7-Eleven outlets.

In total, there are about 58 thousand minimarkets throughout Japan, most of which are open 24 hours. Some of these sell everything from lunchbox boxes to beer and ties. In fact, they also offer package delivery and bill payment services.

In addition to plastic barriers, it was previously known that the owners of 7-Eleven, Seven & i Holdings had also asked shop workers to wear masks, check customers' temperature, wash their hands and sterilize exposed parts of the shop as a measure to prevent contracting COVID-19.

The option to use plastic barriers was taken because previously Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures last week in response to COVID-19. Like it or not, many businesses in Tokyo and other places have closed, leaving most of the convenience stores open because they are considered important.

This step should be appreciated, especially if you look at the latest data showing Japan has recorded 7,411 positive cases of COVID-19 and 138 people have died. On that basis, physical distancing is something that cannot be negotiated as a way to fight COVID-19.