From communicating with coworkers to keeping up with family, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we stay connected with others. In these unusual times, limiting close contact with anyone who doesn’t live with you is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick. Since that means typical greetings like handshakes and hugs are temporarily out of the picture, how do you safely say hello during the COVID-19 pandemic? Your Newark dentist shares nine creative, touch-free alternatives you can use while practicing social distancing.
1.) A Friendly Wave
A classic way to say hello or goodbye without making physical contact is to wave. Whether they’re standing six feet away from you or behind a plastic sneeze guard, waving is a friendly way to greet others.
2.) Bowing
Some situations and people in your life may require a slightly more formal greeting. In circumstances where a handshake would usually be acceptable, try bowing as a respectful, touch-free alternative.
3.) Hand Over Heart
How are health experts greeting others during the pandemic? Recently, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus demonstrated greeting others by placing his right hand over his heart and smiling.
4.) Namaste
The namaste is a traditional salutation from Southeast Asia that expresses gratitude and respect. It’s made by pressing your palms together in front of your heart and giving a slight bow.
5.) Footshaking
You may not be able to shake another person’s hand right now, but you can still “shake” feet! This somewhat silly gesture involves both people standing on one foot and tapping their raised feet together. This can be a fun way to say hello or goodbye as long as you don’t lose your balance!
6.) Shaka
A laid-back greeting popular among surfers, beachgoers, and taxicab drivers is the shaka. This island gesture is made by making a fist and extending the pinky finger and thumb. Sometimes, it’s accompanied by the phrase “Hang loose!”
7.) Blow a Kiss
Greeting others with a kiss on the cheek can easily spread germs. Instead, try blowing a kiss as an affectionate, touch-free alternative. This playful gesture is a safe way to say hello or goodbye if you don’t touch your fingers to your lips.
8.) Air High-Five or Fist Bump
If you want to show a little more excitement while greeting or congratulating someone, use an air high-five or fist bump! Simply make sure to stop several inches short so you and the other person don’t make any physical contact.
9.) Just Say Hello
Greeting others during the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have to be new or different. Saying hello or goodbye with sincere eye contact and a genuine smile is a meaningful way to show others you care about them.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we greet one another, it hasn’t changed the importance of a heartfelt hello. Try using some of these touch-free greetings to keep yourself and others happy, healthy, and connected.
About the Practice
Now and always, your health is our top priority at White Clay Dental. We’ve been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and the recommendations set forth by the CDC. After careful consideration, we’ve established a variety of new COVID-19 safety protocols in our practice to keep our patients, staff, and the entire community of Newark, DE safe. If you’d like to know more about our Commitment to Safety, more information can be found on our website or you can give us a call at (302) 731-4225.