"Is It Okay to Use Kiosks?" Wuhan Pneumonia Spreads... Citizens' Anxiety Grows

Spread of Novel Coronavirus... Concerns Over Using Kiosks at Fast Food Restaurants

A customer is using a kiosk at a fast food restaurant in Seoul. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] "Shouldn't we temporarily ban the use of kiosks in restaurants?"

As the fear of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) infection grows worldwide, concerns about using kiosks (touchscreen information terminals installed in public places) are increasing.

Since these machines are used by an unspecified large number of people in public places, there is worry about possible bacterial infections.

A 24-year-old office worker, A, said, "Ordering through kiosks is convenient, but hygiene is a real concern," adding, "Many people use kiosks, after all," and "Especially during an epidemic like Wuhan pneumonia, it feels more sensitive."

He continued, "I don't think I've ever seen part-time workers cleaning the kiosks," and added, "No matter how much you wear a mask and wash your hands, when you order through a kiosk in a restaurant, bacteria might get on your hands again. I think I will avoid places with kiosks for the time being."

According to a survey, 7 out of 10 people have experience using kiosks. An online survey company, Doit Survey, conducted a survey in May 2018 targeting 3,528 men and women aged 14 to 99 nationwide, and 73% responded that they had "used kiosks."

Amid confirmed cases of "Wuhan pneumonia" (novel coronavirus infection) in the United States, passengers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California on the 22nd (local time) are seen wearing masks to prevent infection.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The problem lies in the fear of infection. According to local media such as The Sun in the UK in November 2018, scientists from London Metropolitan University collected samples from kiosks at eight fast-food outlets and found numerous bacteria that cause infections, including Enterococcus faecalis.

Staphylococcus was found on one kiosk, and most kiosks were found to contain components of human and animal feces and bacteria that cause sepsis.

Dr. Matwell, who participated in the study, said, "Touchscreens are being used more and more in daily life," adding, "However, these research results show that people should not eat immediately after touching a touchscreen."

He continued, "Diseases can spread through touchscreens," and "Even people who pay attention to personal hygiene can have all their efforts undone after using a touchscreen once."

Given this situation, concerns about bacterial infections through kiosks and fears of novel coronavirus infection are intertwined, increasing public anxiety.

However, it is known that some businesses are not paying much attention to kiosk management despite the spread of these concerns.

A university student B (21), who works part-time at a franchise cafe, responded to the question "Are you managing kiosk hygiene?" by saying, "It doesn't seem like any special measures are being taken."

B said, "If there are complaints about foreign substances or dirt on the touchscreen, the screen is wiped. But since the store is busy all day, it is only wiped once or twice a day," adding, "There were some customers who specifically requested separate payment because of Wuhan pneumonia, but not many."

On the 23rd, a notice on preventive measures against the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) is posted at Seoul Station. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, to prevent novel coronavirus pneumonia infection, it is important not only to wear masks but also to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

This is because virus-infected saliva may be present somewhere in public places, and a third party can touch it with their hands, potentially leading to infection through the eyes or mucous membranes of the mouth.

Especially if respiratory symptoms such as coughing are present, one must wear a mask and visit a medical institution. Also, if suspicious symptoms occur after visiting Hubei Province or other parts of China, contact the local health center or call 1399, and visit a hospital according to their guidance.