Will the handshake survive in a post-coronavirus world?

Handshake etiquette in a post-coronavirus world: Is it in or out? The global greeting was an early casualty of COVID-19 after health experts warned it was a simple way to spread the deadly virus. Will it come back? VOTE IN OUR POLL

Housemates Tess Connell (left) and Melissa Ellison disagree about whether the handshake will survive after the pandemic.

• Man arrested for trying to force strangers to shake hands
• Aussies told to avoid kissing, shaking hands
• PM’s awkward firey handshake snub

Handshake etiquette in a post coronavirus world: Is it in or out?

The common global greeting was one of the first casualties of COVID-19 after health experts warned it was a simple way to spread the deadly virus.

On March 15 the Prime Minister declared no more handshakes.

“This is a new thing we've moved to, something I will be practising, my cabinet members and others are practising,” he said.

Will Britain’s Prime Minister, and recent COVID-19 survivor, Boris Johnson still be shaking hands after the pandemic? Picture: AFP

But the practice of handshake has divided Sydney roommates Melissa Ellison, 29, and Tess Connell, 30, about the greeting when social-distancing restrictions are relaxed in the future.

“It’s because we have heard so much about how germs spread during the coronavirus crisis,” Ms Connell said.

“We’re being programmed into keeping our distance and properly washing our hands. It’s making me question the whole custom of handshaking — like do we really need to do it? Will we change how we greet each other when the virus goes away,” she said.

However self-confessed germaphobe Ms Ellison said she would be happy to shake hands when the pandemic was over.

“I feel like with all the publicity around hygiene people understand how important it is to wash your hands and keep clean,” she said. “And it is probably more hygienic than a hug or a kiss to say hello.”

The Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) of the pop group Spice Girls. Picture: AFP

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison shakes hands with US President Donald Trump in 2019. Picture: Saul Loeb/AFP

Australian School of Etiquette director Zarife Hardy said she does not think the handshake would ever disappear but connotations around handshake-avoiders may change.

“If someone wouldn’t shake your hand we used to think it was weird and you looked down upon them a little — I don’t think that will be the same now.

“I think most businessmen and women will go back to shaking hands. It has been a vital form of communication for so long.”