Nations around the world are beginning to ease down restrictions. More and more people can now go out. As you take your first step into the world, bear in mind that it is no longer the same world before the lockdown. There are certain rules that need to be followed for what is considered the new normal. Here are etiquette rules that you must abide to as part of the new normal post lockdown:
Hygiene
The practice of good hygiene is essential for your health and other people’s health. It will lower your risk and help prevents the spread of the disease.
The following are the basic etiquette for proper hygiene practices:
- Always wash your hands regularly. If soap and water is not available, you can use alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.
- Practice social distancing.
- Turn away from other people when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching communal surfaces.
- Dispose used tissues properly.
- Do not share cups, glasses and utensils.
- Always keep your home and work area clean.
- Stay at home if you are sick.
Greetings
It is time to temporary forego customs and traditions for everyone’s safety. The new normal is all about touchless greetings.
If you meet someone, do the following:
- Avoid physical contact. No hugging, kissing or giving handshakes.
- Use other non-verbal cues when greeting like a tiny wave, a wink or a gentle nod.
- Learn how other cultures greet each other. You can bow with hands by our side like the Koreans and the Japanese. You can do the Wai like the Thais by pressing your hands together like a prayer and slightly bowing.
- Make it a habit to put your hands behind your back or firmly in your pocket.
Queuing
Queuing is something that we experience on a regular basis. We fall in line when we go to the bank, grocery, elevators, gasoline station, cafeteria, movie house and even to the public toilets. It is something that we are used to doing. However, expect additional queues longer lines post lockdown.
If you find yourself in a queue, do practice the following good behaviour:
- Follow social distancing. Don’t stand so close to others. Be mindful of the gap. Respect their personal space. By doing so, you are protecting yourself and others.
- Do not cut in line. Get rid of your sense of entitlement. What you need to do is equally important as the others. If you are in a hurry, you should have been there earlier than the rest. It is rude to skip lines even if you know somebody who is already waiting in the queue.
- Keep your negative emotions to yourself. It is understandable that you are frustrated with the hassle and the long wait but you need to maintain your composure. Be patient.
- Choose your line. Don’t stand in the middle of two separate lines. Just choose one. Stick to it and wait for your turn.
- Offer your place to somebody else who needs it more like a pregnant woman or elderly. Another example is if you are in a grocery and your cart is full while the one behind you is just holding an item or two. A simple act of kindness especially in these difficult times can go a long way.
Wearing Face Mask
Wearing face masks is now going to be the new norm. A face mask serves a physical barrier and it helps slow the spread of the disease. It is not so much for the protection of the wearer from getting the virus but rather it is to prevent carriers from spreading the disease. After all, a great majority of people who are infected are asymptomatic.
Here is the etiquette for wearing face mask:
- Be a good citizen and always wear a face mask when going out especially if you have any respiratory symptoms.
- Wear the face mask properly.
- Look people in the eyes when you are talking to them. It is a sign of respect.
- Learn to smile with your eyes.
- Do not remove your face mask when talking to others.
Stay safe everyone!
