Ban handshakes to minimise coronavirus spread

[Lycidas]

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.

Washing your hands regularly is more effective. Just do that.

I mean.. I think that's a bit silly for coronavirus, but I personally would be delighted if handshaking stopped being a thing! I have personal space issues and really don't like having to touch other people if I'm not in the mood, the handshake rounds when starting a new job are personal hell! Ban handshakes, free those of us with weird touch issues like me! (also make life easier for those with cultural differences)

Oh bore off

Yep, coronavirus hysteria has replaced Brexit threads. MN should probably just open a new coronavirus board.

I hate handshakes.

I don’t want to hold your hand, fuck knows where it’s been.

I'm not concerned about coronavirus at all but I think you have a point about handshaking. It does spread disease even if it's only colds and flu. A different greeting gesture might be better. However, it would be interesting to see if the benefits of handshaking actually outweigh the risks. Physically touching someone might induce a deeper more trusting connection with them, that would probably be better in both business and social situations.

Also, with regard handshaking, lots of people just don't like it, as evidenced up thread. Maybe coronavirus with stimulate a rethink.

I would have agreed with you even before this outbreak, so YANBU.
You just have to look at the figures re the number of people who don’t wash their hands after using the loo and the evidence of ecoli contaminating stuff that it shouldn’t be anywhere near.

One my siblings had damp palms when they were growing up. The number of time she came home crying after a meeting, or interview where she had to shake hands still makes me sad. She has it treated now, but it used to be really hard for her.

Hate handshake.