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Guernsey's most senior politician says he's stopped shaking hands with people, with a number of businesses advising their staff to stop doing so as well, alongside a number of other measures being taken to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
Deputy Gavin St Pier tweeted that he has instead adopted the Namaste which is described as a 'respectful greeting' which is 'usually spoken with a slight bow with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest'.
Social dilemma of the moment is 'what replaces the handshake?' Elbow bumps? Foot taps? I have adopted the Namaste (used by @ClarenceHouse in Westminster Abbey on Monday) as my greeting of choice, to avoid handshaking and maintain social distancing. https://t.co/SUTgp0QCPU https://t.co/mpEdtBZ8HN
— Gavin St Pier (@gavinstpier) March 11, 2020
The President of Policy and Resources, who spends a lot of his time in meetings locally and off island, including recently in Brussels and London, says he has taken inspiration from other leaders, including the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who was telling his own countrymen to adopt this greeting earlier this month.
Pictured: File image.
A number of other people have taken similar measures to protect themselves, and others, from the threat of coronavirus - by refusing to touch hands for fear of spreading the respiratory condition.
Livingroom estate agents has told its staff to not shake hands, "to help protect those around us" and they are also asking customers to alert them if they have any symptoms that may resemble the virus before any valuations, viewings or other meetings.
They will also be delivering all post to a safe place if it is available, rather than ringing your doorbell, to avoid contact where they are able to.
Other businesses looking to protect their staff as well as their customers include the Mallard Cinema. A place where normally you would rub shoulders with strangers during a busy screening, you might find yourself with a bit more space over the coming weeks.
The cinema has reduced the number of tickets available for each screening so that there will be two rows of empty seats between each row with bookable seats.
The idea is to allow those watching the latest films to maintain 'social distancing' to try and slow down the spread of coronavirus.
Other businesses which are traditionally more 'hands on' include face painting, and one of Guernsey's busiest artists has cancelled all of her bookings "until the coronavirus situation in Guernsey is clearer".
Joni Nettleship is often booked up months in advance but she's decided to clear her diary "to ensure the health and safety of everyone".
She said "it's not a decision I've taken lightly and I will be suffering financially but I want to remain cautious about close contact, especially around young children and parents with babies."
Anyone with a booking should contact Joni directly.
Pictured top: Deputy Gavin St Pier.
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