We are in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. People all over the world are falling sick. They are dying. It’s imperative that we practice social distancing for the duration of the pandemic, for our own health and to protect the health of friends and neighbors, and especially those most susceptible to this novel virus: the elderly and those with underlying conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, cancer or diabetes.

Social distancing means avoiding any place where people congregate: churches, sporting events, music concerts, restaurants, bars …

As a proud misanthrope I’ve been practicing social distancing for decades; I prefer my own company and don’t need the validation of a peer group. But in the age of the coronavirus even gregarious and outgoing people need to cocoon, stay home and binge on Netflix.

Social distancing also means staying at least six feet away from other people, that’s the distance that a droplet travels when someone sneezes or coughs.

Social distancing most definitely means NO HANDSHAKES. Handshakes spread not only the coronavirus, but any number of microbial pathogens. Handshaking is a filthy and disgusting ritual, and I pray that it will fall victim to the coronavirus.

Fist bumps and high fives spread fewer germs than handshakes, and a namaste doesn’t spread any germs. A namaste greeting is performed by pressing the palms of the hands together. The fingers are together with fingertips pointing up. The hands are pressed together firmly and evenly. (Description from Wikipedia).

Pre coronavirus I shook hands only when it was a social necessity, and now I refuse to shake hands with anyone. In fact, if someone offers to shake my hands, I look at them as if they are a leper.