NHK, Japan's public broadcasting organisation, in collaboration with infectious disease experts, recently conducted an experiment to demonstrate how quickly COVID-19 and other viruses can spread at a buffet aboard a cruise ship or in a restaurant.

The experiment recreated a buffet scenario common in the travel industry. Ten participants were asked to serve themselves from a display that featured various hot and cold dishes as well as beverage options. 

Invisible fluorescent paint — visible only under a black light — was applied to the palm of one person. That person represented an “infected” person who had coughed into his hand. The paint represented the virus.

Watch below to see just how easy it is to transfer virus at the old humble buffet bar.