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Original poster

Ban handshakes to minimise coronavirus spread

34 replies

Lycidas · 31/01/2020 01:10

Why do we persist in this practice when it’s so clearly unhygienic?

The risks are exposed in moments like these. The cases of the virus Germany were all from that one high-profile member of the company who was flown in especially and probably shook hands with everyone.

OP posts:
UrbanJellyfish · 31/01/2020 01:12

Jesus, it's not the plague.

Purpleartichoke · 31/01/2020 01:26

I don’t think we are quite there with the corona virus, but it’s perfectly reasonable to
Reevaluate social conventions. Handshakes do spread disease. We live in a much more connected world. I’m not opposed to learning a new gesture.

SemperIdem · 31/01/2020 01:29

I think people are becoming slightly hysterical over coronavirus. Humans are more hygienic now than we have ever been. Standard flu is more likely to be fatal to the groups most likely to be affected.

We are overdue a global pandemic though.

LilQueenie · 31/01/2020 01:45

why not just wash hands and wear gloves instead of looking at everyone like lepers.

Retroflex · 31/01/2020 01:53

I always keep hand sanitiser gel in my bag, and wash my hands regularly! I'm immunocompromised and I've not become seriously ill or died yet... Hmm

user1473878824 · 31/01/2020 02:19

Ffs.

ilovesooty · 31/01/2020 02:22

Perhaps we should all wear masks too. Hmm

BrokenLogs · 31/01/2020 02:34

ilovesooty that's not a bad idea if you travel on packed public transport.

I'm not sure why people are playing it down. A whole city has been shut down, that doesn't usually happen.

BlackCatSleeping · 31/01/2020 03:02

The masks don't do a lot to stop you getting sick. If you are sick, then wearing masks will help stop your germs spreading from coughing or sneezing. Gloves are really not helpful if you are still touching your face with gloved hands.

You should:

  1. Wash your hands with soap
  2. Avoid touching your face
  3. Sneeze into a tissue and throw it away or sneeze into your elbow
  4. Stay home if you are sick
BrokenLogs · 31/01/2020 03:12

The masks don't do a lot to stop you getting sick

Right, so all those silly doctors and health professionals who wear them when dealing with sick people 🙄

ilovesooty · 31/01/2020 03:15

And those are common sense precautions anyway. The chances of becoming infected snd really sick in this country with coronavirus must be miniscule.

Topseyt · 31/01/2020 03:30

Overreaction there, I think. There is mass hysteria around this.

Just take sensible precautions, such as washing hands at appropriate times.

hibiscuswater · 31/01/2020 04:24

Robbie Williams would probably agree with you OP

PhilCornwall1 · 31/01/2020 05:21

I guess after today, something has to replace the endless brexit threads. Looks like the replacement is the coronavirus.

I'm just waiting for someone to post thinking it's being spread by bottles of beer and say that should be banned.

hibiscuswater · 31/01/2020 05:24

I'm glad I don't share my bottles of beer then Grin

AllHeart1 · 31/01/2020 05:32

I'm not sure why people are playing it down. A whole city has been shut down, that doesn't usually happen. because of mass hysteria like this. I think that 180 deaths out of a world population of 7.5 billion people is tiny. Added to which most of those who have died have had underlying health conditions.

More people die in the UK from flu than have died of this virus. On the whole it is not fatal.

This shit is tomorrow’s chip paper.

Newmetoday · 31/01/2020 05:40

You should see a doctor about your level of anxiety

MordredsOrrery · 31/01/2020 05:49

Can we just ban handshakes because I don't want to touch any of the random strangers I meet at work or in formal situations, even on a normal day?

Nevermind coronavirus, handshakes are antiquated and touching people you don't know/like is basically unnecessary unless you're a medical professional.

meandmylot · 31/01/2020 05:57

I don't really think it's necessary to shake anyone's hand but I don't really worry about it. Things like lift buttons will be far more unhygienic than one persons hand. I just make sure I wash my hands before I eat and upon return to the house.

StarlightLady · 31/01/2020 06:39

So are we going to ban sex as well?

slipperywhensparticus · 31/01/2020 06:41

Doctors masks are better that the ones that you can buy over the counter though 🙄

showmewhatyougot · 31/01/2020 07:06

I think we should all just stay inside and wear hazmat suits 24/7, no physical contact, and every household member has to stay in their own designated room. Sure it will make baby rearing much harder, As I don't think they can be self sufficient, but we must take these measures to stop a bad strain of the flu, which only kills old men who already have health issues!

99problemsandthecatis1 · 31/01/2020 07:11

Doctors wear masks to prevent them spreading infection to the patient.

GiveHerHellFromUs · 31/01/2020 07:17

A whole city has been shut down, that doesn't usually happen

Yeah on the other side of the world Hmm

PhilCornwall1 · 31/01/2020 08:00

A whole city has been shut down, that doesn't usually happen

The authorities have shut it down because they can. In that country it's a case of do as you are told or face the consequences.