Swine Flu Upsets Rituals of Greeting

…the era of swine flu poses the thorny challenge of how to express cordiality, friendship, even love — while staying, as the authorities recommend, at least three to five feet away from anyone who coughs, sneezes or might otherwise show signs of infection with the H1N1 virus.

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Handshakes have been cut short, kisses aborted. Warm embraces have been supplanted by curt pats on the back.

Full Article: here.

France facing ‘la bise’ ban over swine flu fears

It is as French as croissants and coffee, but “la bise”, France’s age-old method of greeting with a peck on the cheek, is facing a ban due to fears that kissing is the best way to catch swine flu.

Companies and schools have started outlawing the traditional French social ritual following a health ministry warning that it could turn into the kiss of death for the nation in the event of a winter H1N1 pandemic.

Large companies like Axa, the insurance giant, have told employees to salute each other with a wave of the hand rather than a kiss or firm handshake.

Full Article: here.

Parishioners To No Longer Offer Handshake As Sign Of Peace

St. Veronica Church staff distributed a flier at weekend Masses advising that participants should no longer hold hands for the “Our Father” prayer or shake hands during the “sign of peace.”

Full Article: here.

Swedish politician mulls Thai bows to counter swine flu

While several local parishes of the Church of Sweden are advocating the use of fortified wine to prevent the spread of swine flu during communion, a Swedish politician is proposing a different measure to prevent the virus from spreading – the introduction of traditional Thai greetings in an effort to reduce direct contact.

Full Article: here.