Amidst the coronavirus scare, the royal family was asked not to shake hands when they graced the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. The no shake hands policy was said to be the church's protocol to avoid the spread of Covid-19 that is now affecting the whole world.
"Westminster Abbey is acutely aware of the risks posed by the spread of novel coronavirus," a spokesperson from the church said, via Hello! Magazine. "In recent weeks, we have advised members of our congregation to avoid shaking hands."
However, the royal family still found another way to greet other attendees instead of giving a handshake. At one point, Prince Harry was seen bumping elbows with Craig David at the end of the service. Meghan Markle, on the other hand, couldn't help but hug one performer.
In addition, Prince William admitted that he was having a hard time following the new protocol. He told Lord Horwell, chairman of the council of Commonwealth Societies, that he felt weird not shaking anyone's hand.
He said it was very odd not to shake hands, as he tried his best to hold his hands clasped together against his waist. To recall, the Duke of Cambridge talked about coronavirus during his visit to Ireland. At the time, he told a paramedic that he and his wife, Kate Middleton, were keeping an eye on Covid-19.
During their visit, a royal source revealed that the Cambridges were taking guidance from Public Health England and the Department of Health. Hence, it was business as usual for the royal couple.
In the U.K., there were already 319 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Monday. It showed an increase of 46 positive cases in just one day. Five people were reportedly dead.
BBC reported that people who would show even minor signs of respiratory tract infections or a fever would soon be asked to self-isolate to avoid the coronavirus outbreak. According to the U.K. chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty, they have to put themselves in quarantine for seven days if they show mild symptoms.
All the intensive care patients, on the other hand, will be tested for the virus, along with anyone who has a respiratory infection in the hospital. In a joint press conference with Whitty and Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Downing Street, the latter suggested that the elderly and vulnerable could be asked to stay at home in the near future. There would also be further steps to be set out in the coming days to combat the spread of coronavirus.
