Scientists suggest ‘handshake alternatives’ to prevent coronavirus spreading

This week, coronavirus cases in the UK hit 87, leading to widespread panic about the spread of the disease.

Thankfully, there are a number of preventative measures you can take to avoid catching the virus, including regularly washing your hands, and avoiding physical contact with others.

However, this is easier said than done, especially if your job involves regular handshakes.

To help, scientists from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine have come up with some creative ‘handshake alternatives’.

Dr Dale Fisher, who came up with the alternatives, explained: “By avoiding handshakes, you can lower the risk of getting infected.

“So adopt alternative greetings instead. What other alternatives can you think of?”

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The Wave

Dr Fisher’s first alternative is a simple wave – an option recently opted for my Angela Merkey and her government.

The Thai Wai

The Thai Wai is a traditional greeting in Thailand, and consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion.

As the name suggests The Elbow is a quick bump of the elbows, which should avoid all skin-on-skin contact as long as you’re both wearing long sleeves!

The Footshake

The Footshake has become hugely popular on social media, with many creative people coming up with complex foot-based shakes.

One popular version, referred to as the ‘Wuhan Shake’, involve touching right feet with someone, before tapping the lefts together.

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