The rules of social etiquette are the most important things in a community, but after this coronavirus pandemic these rules must be ignored by everyone and we refer to those that involve physical or close contact with another person. These days it is essential to protect ourselves and others from the potential infection with this virus. 

Therefore, this does not mean that you are rude, but simply cautious and responsible, and everyone should follow your example. You can greet other people verbally, you do not have to shake hands and of course that it is advisable to keep social distance, especially at the supermarket. Intimate space is crucial so you must respect it.

So, here are some rules of social etiquette that you must ignore after this coronavirus pandemic. Read on for more info and stay safe!

You should forget about shaking hands

Well, one of the most important etiquette rules that must be removed from our behavior is the type of greeting that involves touching your hands, namely shaking hands. “Who would have thought that a handshake [may be] dangerous?” says Golden Rules Gal Lisa Grotts. 

Instead, you can opt for a Namaste greeting, a royal wave, a military greeting or a kiss on air. It is imperative to protect yourself these days and try to be as responsible as possible. 

“The handshake is on hold for what could be an indefinite period of time,” she says. “They’re risky business, so lead by example.”

Do not share the same container of food 

I think that this rule will delight many people who order their favorite food at the restaurant but they didn’t get to enjoy it because their partners ate it, saying they were not hungry and of course they ate all the fries. 

Well, that being said, you should not share your food with someone else, especially if you have just one container. You should always ask for separate plates and serving utensils if you want to stay safe. Moreover, the ingredients should be added directly from the container, not with your fingers.

So, try to follow these new etiquette rules if you want to stay safe because your health is important right now.

Business meetings will be virtual

Before this coronavirus pandemic, all corporations had meetings that you had to attend with your physical presence, but this is likely to change in the future. In addition, these meetings and conferences are much more productive in the virtual environment, because employees can respond and actively participate in debates, without being ashamed or shy. The truth is that introverted people will be much more relaxed and everyone will save time to work harder.

And if your supervisor asks you to physically participate in a work event you better say no, because this is the best decision you will make if you want to stay safe and be responsible. “Saying no can be the most important thing you do,” says Marilena Petrache, an image consultant and corporate trainer.

Saying ‘cheers’ with your glasses

You should know that one of the most common mistakes that people make is to bump their glasses when they are toasting. Well, you have to keep in mind that clinking your glasses is the best way to spread viruses, because people touch their glasses with their mouths and hands, and the viruses are transmitted through surfaces.

The novel coronavirus can live for up to a few days on surfaces and is immediately transmitted when it comes in contact with your face. So, when the coronavirus pandemic will disappear, you should get rid of this habit when you go to a party. 

Kissing as a form of greeting

There are a lot of people who adore saying ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ with a kiss or when it is someone else’s birthday, but you should stop doing this! So, even though you think that this is a nice and honest gesture, well, you should know that the other person probably does not believe the same. Moreover, this is another way to pass the virus, so try to get rid of this habit. Instead, you can say hello with a kiss in the air or a royal wave.

“Although not mainstream throughout the United States, there are some areas where a cheek kiss is the standard polite greeting. But if handshaking is out, cheek kissing is definitely out!” says Melanie Musson, a lifestyle and etiquette writer for the life-insurance site QuickQuote.com.

You should learn to say ‘no’

“Standard etiquette says that if you replied that you would go, you must go,” explains Musson. But during the coronavirus pandemic, you should definitely cancel your plans because social distancing is one of the most important things that you have to do these days.

Canceling your plans, not attending events and staying home should be your priority if you want to stay safe and healthy because this way you will reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus. In fact, there are a lot of online events that can entertain you, such as concerts, stand-up comedy shows and podcasts.

In addition, you should know that many gatherings are canceled or banned throughout the country. So, you are not alone in this situation. 

Giving business cards

As you probably know, before the coronavirus pandemic, people exchanged business cards, especially after business meetings, but this is no longer allowed if we want to stay safe and be responsible. 

“Because it’s unclear how long COVID-19 survives on different surfaces, including paper and card, it’s now no longer necessary to exchange business cards when meeting a new client or business partner. Instead, simply send out that information in an email, or transfer your contact information via AirDrop or Bluetooth,” said Samuel Johns, an HR specialist at Resume Genius. 

Tell people to respect your personal space

We have to admit that before the novel coronavirus people felt really awkward and uncomfortable asking other individuals to keep their distance and respect your personal space, but this changes with the havoc wreaked by this pandemic. 

“Where before it was considered rude to point out to people that they were invading your personal space, it is now completely fine to do so and to ask them to leave at least six feet between them and you,” said British lifestyle expert Dame Luisa Ruocco.

Helping others carry groceries 

Even if we want to help other people, especially the elderly, we must tell them that everything they introduce in their house must be disinfected, including food packaging. 

“I feel terrible saying this… But since the virus can live on surfaces, you shouldn’t help others carry their packages or groceries,” said Miguel A. Suro of The Rich Miser. But if you choose to help them, you should wash and disinfect your hands because it is very important to protect them! Be responsible.