Diners have lunch at a Beijing restaurant on Sunday.The Beijing government on Saturday released rules saying that customers will have their temperatures taken at the entrance and groups of more than three people will sit at different tables to avoid face-to-face contact. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Beijing’s commercial authority recently released a guidance for diners and restaurants, saying gatherings should have no more than 10 people and not last more than two hours to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus during the Spring Festival.

Beijing’s Municipal Commerce Bureau on Wednesday also suggested banquets, including weddings and birthday celebrations, should be postponed or simplified and private gatherings for families should have no more than 10 people and conclude within 2 hours during the Spring Festival holidays.

Diners are also asked to wear masks when leaving their seats, maintain social distancing of at least one meter, cover one’s face when sneezing or coughing, wash hands before and after eating, and not clink glasses when making a toast.

The guidance also said people who have a fever, pregnant women, children, and the elderly with chronic diseases should not go out for dinner.

Restaurant owners should strengthen training of employees and keep the dining area sanitized and clean, said the guidance.

Staff should be arranged to take customers’ temperature and ask them to wear a mask while waiting for seating. Staff should also wear masks and gloves, keep work clothes clean and tidy, and disinfect their hand before touching and selling food, said the guidance.

Restrooms need to be kept clean and hand sanitizer should be provided. The guidance also encouraged restaurants to check the normal use of faucets and other facilities, and use of touchless faucets.