COVID etiquette: Are you getting it right, or very wrong in your neighbourhood

Social etiquette is tricky at the best of times but none more so than in this pandemic era, even with the vaccine on the way. Are you getting it right, or very wrong?

Social etiquette is good practice at any time, but none more so than in this pandemic era.

The vaccine is on its way, but the COVID-era is here to stay for a while yet.

As we stay at home more, the best place to apply your COVID vaccine or (CoVax etiquette) is in your neighbourhood.

After evaluating last year’s Neighbour Day event, which occurred as COVID struck the nation, Relationships Australia’s national executive officer Nick Tebbey says they now have a unique insight into how friendly neighbours can improve people’s lives and wellbeing.

This year’s theme ‘Every day is neighbour day’ builds on the momentum formed last year and takes it a step further, raising the importance of our everyday interactions.

Manners matter when it comes to good neighbours. Picture: Supplied/10

But Nick says we need to be aware of social etiquette when it comes to neighbours too, and be conscious of their personal space, their wishes and body language.

“We stress the importance of adhering to government requirements and guidelines that

are designed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and recommend that people make

themselves aware of the public health authorities’ advice,” he says.

COVID ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR GOOD NEIGHBOURS

Manners matter: Being polite, considerate and having good manners is a start, but in times of COVID that takes on extra meaning, including keeping your social distance – 1.5m at all times, as well as making sure you cover coughs and sneezes, whether you are outdoors or inside someone’s home.

Consider your actions: Whether that is excessive or extended periods of noise – be aware that some people are trying to work from home – and do you really need to mow your lawn at 7am on a Saturday?

It’s the first day some people get to have a sleep-in.

Be friendly, be that’s doesn’t mean be clingy: Unless you become instant besties with your neighbour, a wave, a polite hello or chitchat from across the street can be enough and it doesn’t mean you need to hang over their fence or open up their screen door and let yourself into their home to say hi.

Be friendly but not clingy. Picture: Supplied by Channel 10

Play by the rules: The COVID rules that is. Keep up to date on social gatherings at home, check-ins and social distancing rules.

Offer support where you can: Elderly neighbours, in particular, need us to stay healthy around them, so don’t visit if you are feeling sick. More than any other sector, the elderly will benefit from neighbourly support, especially those who live alone. Reach out, have regular chats as you do the gardening or have a cup of tea on the veranda and really get to know people with friendly banter.

Keep hands to yourself: Don’t lean on neighbours’ furniture, pick up their belongings and maybe don’t even pat their dog – if keep your hands to yourself, nobody need share the risk of germs.

It’s best to ask if you can pat your neighbour’s dog. Picture: David Swift

Read the signs: Watch your neighbour’s body language and be self aware – you may be comfortable, but are they?

Introductions: For neighbours you don’t know, or who are new to your area, create a “hello neighbour” connection card and pop it in their letterbox. Add a little information about yourself, where live and how you can help if they need anything.

Apartment dwellers’ tips:

– Keep to the left in the stairwell, space out in the lift – or just wait for the next one to avoid overcrowding.

– Help take in the bins, we’re sure your neighbour on the 10th floor will love you for it.

– If your building has shared areas such as a gym, a pool, a foyer or a loungeroom, use hand sanitiser and clean up after yourself.

Being polite, considerate and having good manners is a start. Etiquette coach Katherine Saabk. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Wipe down furniture or equipment after you’ve used it using cleansing wipes. You may need to check-in to some zones too.

– Avoid door handles where you can, instead swipe your key card and use a good shoulder push to open doors.

Originally published as COVID etiquette: Are you getting it right, or very wrong in your neighbourhood