With the UK now in its eleventh week of coronavirus lockdown, many Brits are yearning to be reunited with their friends and family.
Now, one expert has revealed that when we’re finally able to see our loved ones again, hugging may actually be on the cards.
Dr Marc Van Ranst, an epidemiologist at the KU Leuven University in Belgium, claims that hugger is ‘safer than shaking hands’ when lockdown eases.
Dr Van Ranst was speaking as Belgium has relaxed its lockdown measures, allowing people to meet with up to 10 people.
He said: “As far as I am concerned, people are allowed to hold each other. More skin to skin contact increases the risk of transferring the virus.
“A handshake remains difficult, hands come into contact with each other and with the environment, which increases the chance of the spread.”
“Shaking everyone’s hand at the conference table, you cannot do that anymore, but I do not recommend replacing that with a hug. Keep the hug for the people you have an affinity with.”
However, not everyone agrees with Dr Van Ranst’s claims, with others advising we keep our social distance from others.
Jane Greatorex, a virologist at the University of Cambridge, said: “Dr Van Ranst was careful to point out that he was not suggesting hugs should replace handshakes at meetings - where, if they are there in person, a hand wave or elbow bump are the replacement.
“If people are observing strict hand hygiene then hands should not be transmitting virus and constant hand washing is one of the best methods for controlling transmission.
“On the other hand, a long hug with someone who might be asymptomatic but shedding is risky and best avoided at present.
“There is the potential for respiratory transmission and surface transmission too.
“It’s hard to assess relative risks but neither are advisable.”
