Elbow bumps instead of handshakes at local solicitors
A CAITHNESS solicitor has come up with a new way of greeting clients in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Instead of shaking hands, Bruce de Wert, proprietor of Georgesons, is to be greeting people with an elbow bump.
“I care about and respect my clients and the coronavirus problem has caused me more than a little anxiety," the honorary sheriff said.
"I always like to shake the hands of my clients. It is polite and a way of thanking them, but I feel that to continue to do this in face of the virus is to put them in danger.
"The virus will, inevitably, come here. It only needs one person. Washing my hands and using gel, as I and my staff already do, will not help."
Mr de Wert continued: "The incubation period is such that you are not even aware that you have it. You can pass it on without knowing and I do not want to do that. I would feel awful if I thought that I had made a client ill.
"This virus is no joke. It can kill. And so for all these reasons, from now on, I will not shake hands either in work or play. From now on it is elbow bumps all round."
The solicitor acknowledged that there were some who felt that too much was being made of the coronavirus by the media and that people were dying from the flu and other diseases already, so why take the extra precautions?
"I understand them, but this is different. My mantra is 'where there is a problem, there is a solution' and I would rather face potential embarrassment for a time until people become accustomed to bumping instead of handshaking," he said.
Mr de Wert added: "My awkwardness will soon disappear and, meantime, it will be fun! Let us make light of this. It is still polite and shows respect.”
Client Kathryn Clarke said: “I had my own concerns before Bruce spoke to me. I think his idea is not before time. Everyone should be encouraged to bump instead of handshaking."
