COVID-19 Brings About Improved Hygiene

Since the spread of COVID-19, wherever we go we see 99% of the general public wear medical or cloth face masks. This is especially true in public transportation systems like the BTS where reminders for the use of face masks are regularly announced resulting in 100% cooperation. The majority have their face masks on correctly but only a few do not.

Pictured here was my visit to a street side food stall. Imagine platters are placed on a waist-high table with customers and sellers alike hovering over them making and confirming food orders. Yes, germs galore!

Prior to COVID-19, wearing face masks was uncommon in Thailand, unlike in Japan. The Japanese seem to be far advanced on the health and hygiene front and having face masks on in the public transportation system was normal. I never fail to mention to my Japanese friends that I see the Japanese people as true pioneers in wearing face masks.

Although COVID-19 has transformed the Thai society in many ways, it is undeniable that it has brought about better hygiene awareness in all of us as could be seen in the photo as 3:1 score / three with a face mask on and one without.

I wish and hope that food sellers and customers will always continue to give hygiene a high priority.