COVID Etiquette
How to approach the “new normal”
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e all learn how to behave socially, and the rules vary based on our cultural backgrounds. We may shake hands, high-five, hug or air-kiss when greeting others. In some cultures, you never chew with your mouth open, while in others nobody really cares. For some, it’s fine to toss money to the person you’re paying; for others that is extremely offensive. In the current COVID situation, until there are effective vaccines or treatments, the only effective safeguard we have is being careful in how we interact with others: how we greet each other, how we behave in groups, how we project expectations of others’ behaviour, and how we react to unexpected situations. How do you tell others you’re not comfortable in a particular situation. Conversely, how do you tell whether others are uncomfortable? Is it even possible to organise social events such as birthday celebrations, friendly gettogethers and workshops that are enjoyable and positive? This is of great concern to us here at Hepatitis SA. Our client communities, many
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of our staff, volunteers and members, or their families are especially vulnerable to the effects of COVID and other infections. Consider these examples: • Janet attends an education workshop where the presenter uses their laptop as a display. Participants have to crowd around the presenter to view the screen. The workshop lasts for most of a day, with everyone in close proximity. Janet feels uncomfortable, but feels it’s rude to complain. The presenter is not practising good COVID etiquette, but what are the boundaries of courteous behaviour? Would it be rude for Janet to whip out a facemask? Is the onus on Janet to explain why they are doing that? • Brett lives in a region with very low COVID cases. He attends a gettogether with a group of old friends. The gathering is in a restaurant, with every table occupied, and people greeting one other with hugs and handshakes. Service is provided with no physical distancing. There is shared food on the table
HEPATITIS SA COMMUNITY NEWS 88 • December 2020
and lots of high-spirited joking and singing. Brett feels he can’t reject the extended hands and warm greetings, but also feels very uncomfortable and vulnerable. Is it unrealistic to expect everyone to follow the rules? He does not belong to a vulnerable category, but would prefer not to put himself at risk anyway. Is Brett overreacting or being too anxious? Do good COVID manners require us to state our preferences clearly before participating in a social event, or should we not expect others to be relaxed about the rules even if we are? • Kim’s daughter is invited to a birthday party. The invitation says the party would be COVID-safe: outside with only 5 kids. It turns out to be 5 kids plus their parents, and some younger siblings. People are sitting in a small backyard and veranda, less than half a metre apart. There is shared food on a side table, and kids playing normally with lots of physical contact. Kim feels she can’t spoil the party for her daughter and friends by leaving or even by sitting
