A photo recently circulated on online forums in Hong Kong shows a man eating a plate of fried rice while using his phone.

The disturbing aspect of the photo was on what was placed on top of the chopsticks beside him.

Here is the photo.

Here is the mask in question.

Hong Kong forums chided the man for his "anti-social" behaviour at a time like this.

Despite some online rumours that it was one of the staff members who was caught placing his mask on top of the chopsticks, the restaurant has come out to clarify the situation, as well as deny charges that it was an employee.

Cai-Tu-Ya, a Japanese eatery, posted the aforementioned apology and also assured diners that they had disposed of all chopsticks and tissue napkins at the affected branch.

Many though felt that the man who had placed the mask on the chopsticks should have been the one to issue an apology.

Image from Ohpama