#NewNormal Greetings: Alternatives to the handshake, hug, and high five
As quarantines and lockdowns ease, people find themselves adjusting to the “new normal”, which includes observing physical or social distancing.
This also means that handshakes, hugs, and high fives are now temporarily discouraged.
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New ways of greeting during the COVID-19 pandemic
Source: Pexels
So, if you're wondering how people should greet each other without actual contact, below are some of the suggested alternatives from the World Health Organization.
1. Wave
Waving “hello” or “goodbye” never gets old, and luckily, it can still be practiced amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pairing it with a smile will make this way of greeting, as warm as a hug or handshake.
2. Hand on heart
Placing your hand over chest or your heart lets other people know how happy or appreciative you are.
It's a great alternative if you want to give someone a hug out of gratitude.
3. Namaste
That gesture you learned in yoga class will now come in handy during the “new normal”.
It's a nice way to greet people, and also serves as a reminder that there's a Divine spark in each person in his or her heart chakra.
4. Hello (international sign language)
This hello greeting pretty much resembles the military salute, although it's done in a more relaxed, casual manner.
5. 'What's Up' nod
If you happen to pass by an acquaintance and you're in a hurry, this is the best way to say hi.
Giving them a 'what's up' nod is as good as a handshake or a high five.
6. Peace sign
That pose you learned from your K-Pop idols can now be used as a cute way of saying “hi” or “hello” during the “new normal”.
7. The bow
The bow is a good alternative if you want to greet and show respect to someone at the same time.
8. 'What a year, huh?'
This gesture sums up everyone's reaction to everything that has happened to the world this year.
It also symbolizes how people have rolled with punches and tried to carry on with their lives by adapting to the “new normal”.
If you want a visual guide on how to do these suggested greetings, check out WHO's video below.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
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