The New York Times reports that nearly 90,000 people have fallen sick and more than 3000 people have died since the onset of this contagious virus, but still, the new Coronavirus seemed like another one of those things that affected the rest of the world but left us alone (just like in the movies). Things got real last Friday when the first confirmed case was recorded in Nigeria.
The relatively low confirmed cases of Coronavirus is baffling experts across the globe, but Nigerians know this isn’t a playing something. We’re already taking measures to avoid germs and unnecessary personal contact such as going overboard with stocking up on face masks (these are only for sick people, guys!), ensuring hand sanitizers go out of stock, washing our hands a lot more frequently, and of course, we’ve learned a few ways to say hello without touching.
Giving fist bumps
Researchers from the Aberystwyth University in Wales proved that handshakes spread 10 times more germs than fist bumps. A whole 10 ten times more! Even though fist bumps spread a lot less germs than traditional handshakes, you could opt for gaining/spreading no germs at all, and just ‘air bump’ instead. You know, like the air kiss, so it looks like you’re fist bumping but don’t actually bump the other fist.
This is a lot cooler than handshakes anyways, so 3 gbosa for you.
Footie shake
This is not a football drill or a new type of smoothie oo! I came down to work on Monday and was going to say hello to my colleague with the usual handshake. The dude just ignored my hand and tapped my foot with his. All of your legwork intense dances should come in handy here. The bright side here is that the footie shake is funny, and you don’t even need to wash your hands afterwards. It’s a win win.
A simple wave
Nigerians have learned the meaning of ‘personal space’ and are discovering that waving to say hello is totally underrated. Because why not? Anything to minimise bodily contact, please. Plus, it won’t be awkward because the next person is trying to avoid germs too.
Say hello with a smile and nod
Honestly, what beats saying ‘hey, how’re you doing?’, with a fat smile on your face that says it’s good to see you? I don’t know either.
Use the peace sign
It’s pretty easy to say hello or goodbye with the peace sign. I mean, stick a couple of fingers up in the air, and you’ve already communicated a wealth of information such as ‘Hey there. I come in peace, good health and do not intend to pass on any germs.’
Now that’s how to love your neighbour as yourself.
