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The Handshake Is on Hold The Handshake Is on Hold
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[This article is part of the developing coronavirus coverage, and may be outdated. Go here for the latest on the coronavirus.][This article is part of the developing coronavirus coverage, and may be outdated. Go here for the latest on the coronavirus.]
Myka Meier is an etiquette expert with more than 61,000 followers on Instagram. Strangers regularly approach her with questions about social and business protocol. But last Tuesday was something else.Myka Meier is an etiquette expert with more than 61,000 followers on Instagram. Strangers regularly approach her with questions about social and business protocol. But last Tuesday was something else.
Ms. Meier, 37, said she was approached eight or nine times at the Plaza Hotel in New York, in between the classes she regularly holds there, with some version of this question: “I don’t want to touch people — what do I do without being rude?”Ms. Meier, 37, said she was approached eight or nine times at the Plaza Hotel in New York, in between the classes she regularly holds there, with some version of this question: “I don’t want to touch people — what do I do without being rude?”
“There were so many people coming up to me I had to go find a seat off to the side,” Ms. Meier said.“There were so many people coming up to me I had to go find a seat off to the side,” Ms. Meier said.
Later in the day she checked Instagram and found 70 new direct messages with similar queries. “I’m going to a work conference in Europe next week,” read one. “What’s the appropriate etiquette alternatives to avoid handshakes?”Later in the day she checked Instagram and found 70 new direct messages with similar queries. “I’m going to a work conference in Europe next week,” read one. “What’s the appropriate etiquette alternatives to avoid handshakes?”
As the new coronavirus spreads, leaders around the world are offering guidance about how to touch other humans going forward. Health ministers in Switzerland and France have asked citizens to forgo “la bise,” the two-kiss greeting. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has encouraged a greeting of “namaste” instead of a handshake.As the new coronavirus spreads, leaders around the world are offering guidance about how to touch other humans going forward. Health ministers in Switzerland and France have asked citizens to forgo “la bise,” the two-kiss greeting. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has encouraged a greeting of “namaste” instead of a handshake.
Upon news of a concentration of cases in New Rochelle, N.Y., the nearby Hebrew Institute of White Plains sent an email to congregants announcing the suspension of circle dancing and kissing the Torah.Upon news of a concentration of cases in New Rochelle, N.Y., the nearby Hebrew Institute of White Plains sent an email to congregants announcing the suspension of circle dancing and kissing the Torah.
And private citizens are adjusting their behavior with others, both casual and intimate.And private citizens are adjusting their behavior with others, both casual and intimate.
Terrett Drake, 43, is single and decided to temporarily take himself off dating apps, which he used largely for physical encounters. “Two or three days ago I was scrolling and was like, ‘I don’t want to stand next to strangers on the subway, why would I want to hook up with someone I’ve never met?’” he said. “There is no way to evaluate where they have come from, so it feels like an unnecessary risk.” (He added that it won’t be a major life change: “My level of hooking up was somewhere between occasionally and infrequently.”)Terrett Drake, 43, is single and decided to temporarily take himself off dating apps, which he used largely for physical encounters. “Two or three days ago I was scrolling and was like, ‘I don’t want to stand next to strangers on the subway, why would I want to hook up with someone I’ve never met?’” he said. “There is no way to evaluate where they have come from, so it feels like an unnecessary risk.” (He added that it won’t be a major life change: “My level of hooking up was somewhere between occasionally and infrequently.”)
Tinder is currently flashing an alert to users when they open the app. “Tinder is a great place to meet new people,” it reads. “While we want you to continue to have fun, protecting yourself from the coronavirus is more important.”Tinder is currently flashing an alert to users when they open the app. “Tinder is a great place to meet new people,” it reads. “While we want you to continue to have fun, protecting yourself from the coronavirus is more important.”
Elyse Bailey, 28, who works in travel marketing and lives in Harlem, has decided not to sweat such warnings. “I am single and part of the hookup culture, and I’m going to live my life,” she said. “I feel like it’s already a risk to hook up with people. You hope that person is clean and getting tested, but you can’t really be sure.”Elyse Bailey, 28, who works in travel marketing and lives in Harlem, has decided not to sweat such warnings. “I am single and part of the hookup culture, and I’m going to live my life,” she said. “I feel like it’s already a risk to hook up with people. You hope that person is clean and getting tested, but you can’t really be sure.”
But Ogden Mendez, 33, who works for an alarm security company in Dallas, has redrawn the boundaries of his open marriage to his husband. “We can go to movies or dinners with other people, hangouts — but nothing physical,” he said. “And we agreed to be extra-cautious. No sharing spoons or drinks or getting close. Don’t do anything where you can get contaminated.”But Ogden Mendez, 33, who works for an alarm security company in Dallas, has redrawn the boundaries of his open marriage to his husband. “We can go to movies or dinners with other people, hangouts — but nothing physical,” he said. “And we agreed to be extra-cautious. No sharing spoons or drinks or getting close. Don’t do anything where you can get contaminated.”
Jamie Kelso, the bar manager at Pretty Ricky’s, a bar on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, said he had observed patrons sitting far apart from one another and discussing their favorite brand of hand sanitizer.Jamie Kelso, the bar manager at Pretty Ricky’s, a bar on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, said he had observed patrons sitting far apart from one another and discussing their favorite brand of hand sanitizer.
“I did notice a girl recently — I’m guessing she was just meeting the guy for the first time — shake hands with a date and then immediately pour Purell on her hands,” he wrote in an email.“I did notice a girl recently — I’m guessing she was just meeting the guy for the first time — shake hands with a date and then immediately pour Purell on her hands,” he wrote in an email.
Monogamous people may be worrying less about their love lives in the time of coronavirus. But they still have to contend with jitters in the workplace — or what’s left of workplaces.Monogamous people may be worrying less about their love lives in the time of coronavirus. But they still have to contend with jitters in the workplace — or what’s left of workplaces.
Ryan Rhodes, the software developer for Loftie, a wellness company, uses Cross Campus, a co-working space in Los Angeles where he sits at communal tables. While the space’s organizers are making special efforts to keep it clean and sanitary, worries remain.Ryan Rhodes, the software developer for Loftie, a wellness company, uses Cross Campus, a co-working space in Los Angeles where he sits at communal tables. While the space’s organizers are making special efforts to keep it clean and sanitary, worries remain.
“There are hundreds of people in this room breathing the same air,” he said. “I don’t know who else sits in my seat when I’m not around.”“There are hundreds of people in this room breathing the same air,” he said. “I don’t know who else sits in my seat when I’m not around.”
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Mr. Rhodes, 31, is currently taking protective measures like washing his hands often and staying away from people who are coughing. But he is contemplating suspending his membership and working from home. “It would be sad,” he said. “Co-working spaces are great for networking and being around people,” but he thinks “it’s a big risk right now.”Mr. Rhodes, 31, is currently taking protective measures like washing his hands often and staying away from people who are coughing. But he is contemplating suspending his membership and working from home. “It would be sad,” he said. “Co-working spaces are great for networking and being around people,” but he thinks “it’s a big risk right now.”
Mr. Mendez of Dallas has started isolating himself at lunchtime. “I used to be in the break room the whole time, but now I go to my car and either take a nap or eat there,” he said. “That started about a month ago. I just feel like this less contact I have with people, the better.” He said when he looks at his colleagues now, all he sees is germs.Mr. Mendez of Dallas has started isolating himself at lunchtime. “I used to be in the break room the whole time, but now I go to my car and either take a nap or eat there,” he said. “That started about a month ago. I just feel like this less contact I have with people, the better.” He said when he looks at his colleagues now, all he sees is germs.
Companies are trying to help keep employees and clients comfortable and still carry on with business as usual, even if that business includes socializing. On Wednesday, Hawkins International PR, a travel and lifestyle public relations firm, held a networking party for hundreds of people at Union Park Events in Manhattan.Companies are trying to help keep employees and clients comfortable and still carry on with business as usual, even if that business includes socializing. On Wednesday, Hawkins International PR, a travel and lifestyle public relations firm, held a networking party for hundreds of people at Union Park Events in Manhattan.
A sign was displayed prominently at check-in that read, “As you travel around our showcase skip the hugs and handshakes, and instead may we suggest flash a peace sign, bump elbows, exchange a foot tap or get wavy with it.” Participants were eagerly using the hand sanitizer at the bar, and many refused the passed canapés.A sign was displayed prominently at check-in that read, “As you travel around our showcase skip the hugs and handshakes, and instead may we suggest flash a peace sign, bump elbows, exchange a foot tap or get wavy with it.” Participants were eagerly using the hand sanitizer at the bar, and many refused the passed canapés.
This “foot tap” has, in parlance that now seems somewhat dated, gone viral online as “the Wuhan Shake.”This “foot tap” has, in parlance that now seems somewhat dated, gone viral online as “the Wuhan Shake.”
For those not up for such gyrations, Ms. Meier, the etiquette expert, recommended announcing one’s intention, rather than the extremes of swooping or recoiling. “I saw a friend of mine the other day who works at the Plaza, and she saw me coming, and said in advance, ‘I am not going to hug you, but I want to kiss you from afar,’” she said. “I love that, because it’s respectful and showing consideration.”For those not up for such gyrations, Ms. Meier, the etiquette expert, recommended announcing one’s intention, rather than the extremes of swooping or recoiling. “I saw a friend of mine the other day who works at the Plaza, and she saw me coming, and said in advance, ‘I am not going to hug you, but I want to kiss you from afar,’” she said. “I love that, because it’s respectful and showing consideration.”
Still, people are going to get this wrong, Ms. Meier said.Still, people are going to get this wrong, Ms. Meier said.
“Everything is changing,” she said, “and there is going to be a lot of social awkwardness right now that will happen as a result.”“Everything is changing,” she said, “and there is going to be a lot of social awkwardness right now that will happen as a result.”