Confusing video shows how easily an infection can spread through contact

In theory, we should all understand by now why it is important to wash our hands, wear masks and maintain good hygiene practices during a pandemic. But nothing really brings the point home as effectively as a good old fashioned demo.

From Japan NHK public broadcasting network actually introduced the products in a new video that went viral.

NHK worked with infectious disease experts from St. Marianna University Medical School in Kawasaki to prepare a buffet meal for 10 people. They put fluorescent paint on the hand of an "infected" person to simulate a cough on the hand, and then let the participants eat the buffet for the next 30 minutes.

We are sure everyone felt a little sick after the fluorescent lights were turned on to reveal the spread of this piece of paint.

NHK conducted an experiment to see how germs spread on a cruise ship buffet.

They applied fluorescent paint to one person's hands and then had a group of 10 people have dinner.

Within 30 minutes, the paint had been transferred to each individual and was on the faces of 3 people.
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– Cuchara and Tamago (@Johnny_suputama) May 8, 2020

As you can see in the video above, "Infection" has … everywhere. The paint spread to the hands of each participant, and three finished with the paint on the face.

The team found that the tongs, plate lids and the handle of the beverage container were primarily responsible for the spread. This simple demonstration is very useful in showing how easily germs can spread through contact and on contaminated surfaces.

The World Health Organization (WHO) call everyone back who regularly cleans his hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds), not touching the mouth, eyes and nose and staying at least one meter (3 feet) from other people are the best methods to stop the spread of COVID-19 virus.

NHK and the experts also had a second experience. This time they were much more diligent about the hygienic practices used at the buffet. Plates were separated, tongs were frequently exchanged for cleansers, and participants were encouraged to wash their hands frequently.

In this version of the meal, none other than the initially infected person ended up with a fluorescent "infection".

The immediate lesson here seems to be "avoid buffet meals for a while". But it also points to a bigger problem: humans can be nasty creatures, and we really need to be aware of the risks