COVID-19: Is it the end of hugs and high-fives?

Over the years, a handshake has transformed from a social greeting to a social instinct as we inadvertently reach out to shake hands whenever we spot an acquaintance or lean-in for a quick hug in case of closer friendship. As countries across the world continue to implement strict social distancing measures in a bid to contain the spread of the COVID-19, the pandemic also seems to threaten the entire face of normalcy including the concept of human greetings.
For many of us, shaking hands comes naturally and is often viewed as a gesture to initiate positive communication. Whether it is an interview with a potential employer, a business meeting, or even high-fiving during a sporting event--handshakes are actually a big part of our social interactions. In addition to shaking hands, different cultures across the globe include kissing on the cheeks and air kisses as an acceptable form of greetings.

However, as the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the globe, public health experts have issued stern warnings against shaking hands as a form of greeting. Yes, the innocent handshake has shifted from a mode of non-verbal communication to a potential carrier of dangerous pathogens, all in the period of the last four months. This is because every time your hands touch a surface, you may actually end up picking hundreds of bacteria and viruses.

Goodbye handshake
It is important to note that as a society, humans ultimately survive due to their streak of adaptability. So, even though a few years ago, refusing a handshake or a hug would have been seen as an extremely rude gesture, people may gradually warm up to the idea in the face of the pandemic. Dodging a handshake or a side hug may seem awkward at first, but you can always follow it up with, “I am glad to see you, let’s just both stay safe.” Speaking up about why you both are avoiding the handshake can actually shift the focus away from an etiquette faux pas and reinstate it as a thoughtful gesture.

Do we have an alternate method of greeting?

Thankfully, yes we do. From a friendly smile, bowing down in respect to nodding your head, there is indeed no dearth of methods to tell someone that you are pleased to meet them. Here's looking at some of the most popular alternatives of a handshake:

1.Namaste

Joining your hands and flashing your smile to greet someone remains by far one of the most popular ways of social greeting. It is hygienic, respectable, and does not include any gestures that you may have to learn from scratch (Hello, Wuhan shake).

2.The elbow bump

If namaste seems too formal to greet your friends and co-workers, may we suggest the part-fun and completely safe elbow bump? Top health officials across the globe are also recommending elbow bump as an informal means of greeting.



3. Wave

Yes, the good, old waving of hands still seems a plausible way of greeting!

4.Wuhan shake (Foot shake)

The Wuhan shake (foot greeting or foot-tapping) seems to be an incredibly fun of greeting and has gone viral on social media platforms.