Photo/Illutration Health minister Katsunobu Kato, left, speaks with Takaji Wakita, chair of a panel of experts advising the government on the coronavirus outbreak, before the start of a May 4 meeting. (Kazuhiro Nagashima)

A new lifestyle norm proposed for Japan as it grapples with rising COVID-19 infections would allow the public to enjoy outdoor activities rather than those held indoors with the caveat that people should be seated side-by-side rather than face-to-face when eating meals while keeping conversation to a minimum.

The suggestions, widely derided by users online, were offered May 4 by an expert panel advising the government on the health crisis and intended to represent lifestyle practices to help prevent a further spread of the new coronavirus after a nationwide state of emergency is lifted at the end of the month.

Other obvious suggestions by health experts included wearing face masks when going out, washing one’s hand upon returning home and avoiding commutes on crowded trains and buses.

In addition, the panel recommended that people take their temperature every morning and heed the advice of government leaders to avoid congested places without adequate ventilation, where close contact with others is a given.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining social distancing, the panel suggested that the internet be used not only for teleworking but also for enjoying sporting events and other entertainment.

One member of the expert panel said thorough implementation of these and other measures was the only way to prevent a further spread of the coronavirus in light of the lack of a vaccine or an effective cure for COVID-19.

The panel also indicated that industry groups should establish their own separate guidelines to attain the twin objectives of preventing further infections and allowing for business operations to resume.

Among other suggestions by the panel were for people to refrain from returning to their hometowns in other prefectures, avoiding travel in general, taking showers immediately after returning home and limiting conversation while riding public transport.

Internet users were quick to react to the proposals.

One said, “It is unpleasant to receive such detailed instructions.”

Another person noted that many of the recommendations were already being followed by those with common sense.

One post complained that new lifestyle practices were being introduced as new terminology for self-restraint about leaving one’s home.

Other complaints targeted the recommendations regarding meals, such as concentrating on the food rather than talking with others at the table.

On the wisdom of eating food side-by-side, one post asked, “Like in ‘The Last Supper’?” by Leonardo da Vinci. The recommendation to remain quiet reminded some of cranky restaurant owners who have their own rules of conduct at their establishment.

Concerns were also raised about the suggestion to seek fun outdoors rather than in indoor venues. Individuals said such a suggestion could lead to the total collapse of various forms of entertainment, such as concerts, art exhibitions and theater.

But some people posting comments supported the panel’s suggestion, with one individual stating: “There is no drinking party or form of entertainment that is more important than one’s life. Let us all fight together while abiding by these new practices.”

(This article was compiled from reports by Kohei Tomida and Natsuki Edogawa.)

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