Netanyahu calls on Israelis to stop shaking hands due to Coronavirus
Israeli prime minister suggests people adopt the Indian greeting of 'namaste' instead, as the country increases restrictions to try and prevent the infection's spread
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Israelis to stop shaking hands in light of growing concerns over Covid-19 and suggests instead they adopt the Indian greeting of “namaste” instead.
At a press conference Wednesday announcing new steps to deal with the virus, Mr Netanyahu pressed his hands together in a prayer position and bowed when he made his suggestion, stressing the need for personal hygiene.
He also added additional European countries to a list of destinations from which returning Israelis would need to self-quarantine for two weeks.
Meanwhile, Israel’s chief rabbi is urging observant Jews to refrain from kissing “mezuzot”, a small item encasing a prayer scroll posted by Jews on doorposts.
Observant Jews typically touch the item and then kiss their hands when walking through a doorway.
Chief Rabbi David Lau made the call in a letter on Wednesday.
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