Bye bye handshakes how coronavirus is changing global habits

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes to our daily habits, and one of the most noticeable changes is the decline of traditional greetings like handshakes. Here are some ways in which the pandemic is changing global habits:

1. Goodbye handshakes: As the virus spreads through contact, people are opting for alternative greetings like elbow bumps, fist bumps, or even just a nod or a smile. This is especially true in professional settings, where handshakes were once a common way to greet colleagues and clients.
2. Increased use of technology: With social distancing measures in place, people are relying more heavily on digital communication tools like video conferencing, messaging apps, and email. This shift is expected to continue even after the pandemic subsides, as people become more comfortable with remote work and virtual interactions.
3. Changes in personal hygiene: The pandemic has led to a greater emphasis on personal hygiene, with people washing their hands more frequently and thoroughly. This habit is likely to stick, even after the pandemic is under control.
4. Shift to cashless transactions: As people become more aware of the risks associated with handling cash, there's been a surge in the use of contactless payment methods like mobile wallets, credit cards, and digital payment apps.
5. New norms for social gatherings: The pandemic has forced people to rethink the way they socialize, with many events and gatherings being cancelled or postponed. When social gatherings do take place, they're often smaller and more low-key, with a focus on outdoor activities and social distancing.
6. Increased use of masks: Wearing masks has become a common practice in many parts of the world, especially in public places like public transportation, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities. This habit is likely to continue, even after the pandemic is under control, as a way to reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses.
7. Changes in workplace habits: The pandemic has led to a shift towards remote work, flexible work arrangements, and increased use of virtual collaboration tools. These changes are likely to persist, even after the pandemic subsides, as companies recognize the benefits of increased flexibility and reduced commuting time.
8. New norms for travel: The pandemic has disrupted global travel patterns, with many countries imposing travel restrictions and quarantines. When travel does resume, it's likely to be more cautious, with a focus on testing, tracing, and quarantine measures.
9. Increased use of delivery services: With many people opting to stay at home, there's been a surge in the use of delivery services for food, groceries, and other essentials. This habit is likely to continue, even after the pandemic subsides, as people become more comfortable with the convenience and flexibility of delivery services.
10. Changes in education: The pandemic has forced schools and universities to adapt to online learning, with many institutions adopting virtual classrooms and remote teaching methods. This shift is likely to continue, even after the pandemic subsides, as educators recognize the benefits of increased flexibility and accessibility.

These changes are not only a response to the pandemic but also a reflection of a broader shift towards greater awareness of personal hygiene, social distancing, and digital communication. As the world adapts to the new normal, it's likely that many of these habits will persist, even after the pandemic is under control.