Greetings amid coronavirus: Don't even bump elbows

The coronavirus is spreading throughout the world and we've got to change how we do just about everything.

Some people have called for doing away with handshakes. But even the compromise of bumping elbows isn't enough, according to the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO).

"When greeting people, best to avoid elbow bumps because they put you within 1 meter of the other person," tweeted Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "I like to put my hand on my heart when I greet people these days."

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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, right, bumps elbows with a worker at the seafood counter of the Uwajimaya Asian Food and Gift Market, in Seattle's International District. Credit: Ted S Warren/AP/Shutterstock

So yeah... don't elbow bump, don't shake hands, definitely don't do the European cheek kiss. Mashable came up with some alternatives here, but you probably don't want to even risk a fist bump at this point. But you can always do a little wave or, as the WHO director-general said, put your hand over your heart.

The post from Ghebreyesus was part of a longer list of helpful tips, including how to properly wash your hands and how to try to still enjoy life amid the outbreak.

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The outbreak grows scarier each day. But the least you can do is avoid elbow bumps, and if you need some tips for anxiety, we've got you covered.

Related Video: How to say 'Hello' without touching