No-contact takeaway covers trialed in Beijing, Shanghai

People use no-contact takeaway covers while eating takeout in Beijing in March. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

The first "no-contact takeaway protective covers" were launched in Beijing and Shanghai recently to protect people while eating outside, released in a batch of 20,000 units.

The paper cover can be unfolded into a small box of about 20 inches. With three sides of the box set up, the barriers allow people to eat separately during meals.

According to Meituan-Dianping, the country's on-demand service platform and the developer of the cover, the main purpose of the cover is to protect people's safety and avoid potential infection carried by saliva droplets.

A man uses no-contact takeaway covers while eating takeout in Beijing in March. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

A no-contact takeaway covers is seen in Beijing in March. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)