General Discussion

You do not shake hands or exchange hugs and/or kisses. You bow to each other (maybe several times if necessary!).

So I'm thinking this is what the government official meant. As well, it has been very common to see Japanese tourists in my town wearing masks in years gone by. They will wear a mask if they've caught a cold and don't wish to give it to their travelling companions or strangers. It's just the polite and caring thing to do.