Strengthening Hygiene and Safety Services in Dining Establishments Amid COVID-19 Spread
Various Types from Smart Hand Washing Systems to Fever Check Devices
The smart hand washing system installed at Eggslut's first store. When you place your hands near it, soap and water are automatically dispensed in sequence, followed by a paper towel, allowing you to wash your hands.
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] The dining industry is making every effort to establish in-store hygiene systems to prevent the prolonged spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This measure comes in response to the increasing number of consumers reluctant to visit dining establishments due to concerns about the risk of COVID-19 infection.
According to SPC Samlip on the 8th, the first Eggslut store, opening on the 10th at Starfield COEX Mall Millennium Plaza, is equipped with a 'contactless facial recognition fever checker' that automatically checks the body temperature and mask-wearing status of all customers entering the store. Transparent partitions have been installed on shared tables to allow customers to use the store with greater peace of mind amid COVID-19.
Additionally, the store has installed the smart hand washing system ‘SMIXIN,’ which automatically dispenses liquid soap when hands are placed under it, followed by clean water and paper towels in sequence, enabling customers to maintain hygiene more conveniently.
Eggslut is a famous sandwich brand from California, USA, which former SPC Group Vice President Heo Hee-soo diligently introduced to Korea. It is known for its egg sandwich that reinterprets brioche buns, eggs, and sriracha mayo sauce. Since its inception in the USA in 2011, it has operated stores in the UK, Kuwait, and Japan.
Starbucks Coffee Korea has reduced up to one-third of tables and chairs in stores since April, adjusting the spacing to 1 to 1.5 meters and rearranging tables mainly into two-person seats. This expansion of seat reduction, initially piloted in some stores in Daegu and Gyeongbuk since March due to the spread of COVID-19, has been extended nationwide. Additionally, to secure safe distances, an extra order waiting line has been installed behind the safety line attached in front of the cash register.
Dining businesses operating buffets, classified as high-risk facilities, have also been actively responding. CJ Foodville’s buffet-style dining brands ‘VIPS’ and ‘Season’s Table’ introduced a QR code system starting from the 23rd of last month. Customers must register their entry through the QR code. For customers unable to use QR codes, a manual list is also maintained.
Eland Eats has implemented the QR code system in all buffet-style dining brand stores such as ‘Jayeon Byeolgok,’ ‘Ashley,’ and ‘Pizza Mall.’ A company representative stated, "The principle was to install tablet devices primarily, and in some stores where installation is difficult, a smartphone QR code system is applied." Shinsegae Food’s buffet-style restaurants ‘Olban’ and ‘Bonobono’ have also completed the installation of QR code systems at all locations. Notices stating that mask-wearing is mandatory when using the food bar are posted throughout the stores.
In this regard, the government imposed an obligation on buffet business owners and workers from 6 p.m. on the 23rd of last month to thoroughly manage visitor logs. They must adopt an electronic entry log system based on QR codes, wear personal protective equipment such as masks while working, and strictly manage hygiene practices such as handwashing.
Users must also cooperate by confirming symptoms and must not enter the business premises if symptomatic. Furthermore, users must maintain a 2-meter distance from each other and wear personal protective equipment such as masks at all times. In buffets, mask-wearing is mandatory except when eating. Violations of quarantine rules will result in fines of up to 3 million KRW for both business owners and users.
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