From getting groceries, to connecting with family, to saying hello, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our everyday lives. Even now, the best way to keep ourselves, our family members, and those around us safe from the coronavirus is to practice social distancing and limit our contact with others. Unfortunately, this means that at your next dental appointment, your team won’t be giving out any of their normal handshakes or hugs. Instead, they’ll be using a variety of creative, touch-free greetings to connect with their patients! Your Terrell dentist shares nine ways to say hello while staying healthy in COVID-19.
1.) A Friendly Wave
If you’re a hugger or handshaker, saying hello in the age of social distancing may feel very unfamiliar. But remember, greeting others in a meaningful way can be as simple as giving a friendly wave!
2.) Bow
If you’re looking for a subtle, respectful way to greet others, try giving a slight bow. In Japan, this polite gesture is used to say many things, including I’m sorry, thank you, hello, and goodbye.
3.) Hand Over Heart
Recently, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus demonstrated a friendly yet dignified greeting by placing his right hand over his heart.
4.) Namaste
For a more relaxed way to say hello and signify gratitude, try practicing namaste. You can make this traditional Southeast Asian salutation by pressing the palms together at your heart and bowing your head slightly.
5.) Shaka
Another laid-back greeting that’s popular among surfers and cab drivers is the shaka. This island hello can be created by making a fist and extending your pinky and thumb.
6.) Footshaking
Just because the world isn’t shaking hands right now doesn’t mean you can’t “shake” feet! Raise your foot and tap it with another person’s foot—just be careful not to lose your balance.
7.) Blow a Kiss
When your son or daughter was very little, you may have taught them to say hello by blowing a kiss. This playful gesture can be used again today as long as you don’t touch your fingers to your lips.
8.) Air High-Five
Enthusiastic high-fives are still a fun way to greet others as long as you don’t make physical contact. Simply stop short at least a few inches apart to prevent the spread of germs.
9.) Just Say Hello
A touch-free greeting doesn’t have to be complicated or new. You can always verbally communicate your hellos and goodbyes with sincere eye contact and a genuine smile.
COVID-19 has changed many aspects of our lives, but it hasn’t changed the importance of a heartfelt hello. Use these nine touch-free greetings to keep yourself and others safe, healthy, and happy throughout the pandemic.
About the Practice
Now and always, Texas Dentistry is committed to the wellbeing of our patients, staff, and the entire community of Terrell, TX. Typically, our team members show this with comfortable, long-lasting dental care and involvement in community events. However, we’ve shifted our focus in these unusual times to add peace-of-mind to the excellent dentistry you’ve come to expect from us. Alongside the ambitious sanitation standards set forth by the CDC, we have implemented 31 additional precautions to our infection control protocols. If you’d like to learn more about our Commitment to Safety, feel free to reach us via our website or at (972) 563-9444.