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Analyzing COVID-19 infection clusters formed when dining together using a time-Workflow Chart

Hitoshi Tsuchiya

Background and purpose: COVID-19 has caused serious damage globally. Some countries implemented short-term lockdowns to slow down the spread of COVID-19 while continuing basic economic activities; vaccinations have also been underway, but a significant impact of vaccinations is yet to be seen. In reality, infections continue to increase at a slow pace.

Although lockdowns and rules for limited operating hours for restaurants were implemented, infection clusters originating from restaurants still occur. Recently, clusters originating in families have also occurred. The present study attempts to analyse the specific causes of such infection clusters.

Method: In a group, infection through airborne droplets during conversation is possible. When dining in a group, most people do not put their masks back on later, which is clearly a ‘rule violation’. Therefore, the actual conditions of such instances were investigated using a time workflow chart (t-WFC), analyses of COVID-19 infection clusters were carried out, and countermeasures were proposed.

Results: There is no guarantee that dining in a group does not lead to infection. Consequently, in such instances one should wear a mask to prevent infection. Additionally, the efficacy of masks varies according to their type. Therefore, masks that are more effective should be used. Several rules should also be considered when dining together, such as maintaining social distancing and reducing the number of participants.

Conclusion: The misconception that individuals dining together are not infected with COVID-19 should be corrected.