9 Healthy Hellos to Stay Safe While Greeting Others in COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of our lives, including how we say hello. Even as the country slowly reopens, it’s essential that we continue to practice social distancing to stay healthy. If you’re a hugger or a handshaker, you may be wondering how to greet others safely in the age of social distancing. Your Oak Cliff dentist knows that dental safety starts with a healthy hello, so try one of these nine touch-free greetings during the coronavirus pandemic.

1.) A Friendly Wave

COVID-19 hasn’t changed every definition of normal in our lives. A friendly wave is still a classic and meaningful way to greet those around you!

2.) Bow

For a subtle and respectful way to say hello, try giving a slight bow. In Japan, a bow can be used to say many things, including thank you, I’m sorry, hello, and goodbye.

3.) Hand Over Heart

A dignified yet friendly greeting is placing your right hand over your heart, which was recently demonstrated by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

4.) Namaste

A traditional salutation in Southeast Asia is called the namaste. To show gratitude and say hello, press your palms together at your heart and bow your head slightly.

5.) Shaka

The shaka is a laid-back greeting popular among beach goers and surfers. To create this island hello, make a fist, then extend your thumb and pinky finger.

6.) Footshaking

You may not be able to shake hands currently, but you can still “shake” feet. For this fun gesture, each person stands on one foot and taps their raised feet together. Just be careful not to lose your balance!

7.) Blow a Kiss

When children are little, they are often taught to say hello by blowing a kiss. This playful greeting can be used again now as long as you don’t touch your fingers to your lips.

8.) Air High-Five

Another fun way to greet others is to give a high five. However, in these unusual times, you can prevent the spread of germs by stopping your high five at least a few inches before making contact.

9.) Just Say Hello

A touch-free greeting doesn’t have to be new or complicated. Verbally communicating a genuine hello or goodbye with a sincere smile is an excellent way to safely connect with others in COVID-19.

While COVID-19 has changed how we normally greet each other, it hasn’t changed the importance of a heartfelt hello. Try any of these nine touch-free gestures to keep yourself and others happy and healthy throughout the pandemic.

About the Practice

At Kessler Park Dental, nothing is more important than the wellbeing of our patients, staff, and the entire community of Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX. We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and have been adjusting our infection control protocols accordingly. Alongside the sanitation standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention we’ve always met, we have added eight additional precautions to our normal level of care. If you’d like to learn more about our Commitment to Safety, feel free to reach out to us via our website or at (214) 303-9969.