Dear Faculty, Staff, and Researchers,
As the number of new Covid-19 cases in Tokyo has been decreasing the past consecutive 6 weeks, and the spread of the virus is being controlled within the university, there will be an easing up on the restrictions regarding dining during events on campus, as specified below. The university will allow dining, such as having food and drinks while conversing with a few number of people, at events. However, buffet-style meals (where participants stand up to help themselves to food, etc.) are not allowed.

Please continue to take thorough measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the risk of infection increases during meal times.

The rules and considerations when holding events:

• Indoor, on-campus events organized by the University, faculty/staff, or outsideorganizations using the University as an event venue, must not have participants exceed 2/3 of the venue’s maximum capacity. However, if the following precautions are strictly adhered to, depending on the nature and style of the event, it is possible to hold the event without restriction on the number of participants.

1. Thorough infection prevention measures, such as temperature checks, handwashing, and hand-sanitization
2. The use of nonwoven fabric masks by all participants (unless in exceptional circumstances)

• Dining during events (excluding buffet-style meals, etc.) is allowed if the following infection prevention measures are strictly adhered to:

1. The use of nonwoven fabric masks during conversations, unless in exceptional circumstances
2. Avoid crowded spaces and keep meal times as short as possible
3. Thorough hand sanitization
4. Use restaurants that have been certified by the municipalities as taking Covid-19 preventive measures whenever possible, and follow the infection prevention measures set by the restaurant
5. Event organizers should keep a record of all participants so that they can be contacted in the case of an infection

• If the spread of Covid-19 increases again, the above rules on dining (excluding buffet-style meals, etc.) will be re-evaluated and restrictions might be re-imposed.

An example of how gatherings involving meals should be done on campus grounds:
•Dining time should be kept separated from conversation/socialization time
•Masks should be worn during conversation/socialization time
•Avoid pouring drinks for one another
•Do your best to avoid spreading your droplets when eating and drinking