We watched with great interest as Swiss TV reported on the first day of reopening in Switzerland today after eight weeks of national quarantine. With the exception of a few northern counties and Tesla, based locally within the same county of Alameda where we reside, the California shelter in place order is still in effect until May 31.
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. While I did see my mom, we kept distance best we could. As she got in the car to leave, I could only wave at her. The absurdity of social distancing really hit me. Other than Martin, I have not had any physical contact with anyone else in the past two months. No handshake, no hugs, no kisses, and now hardly even eye contact as people mostly try to avoid getting too close. Also, most people here wear face masks even when walking on the street. I find that I have stopped looking at faces and just see masked figures instead.
What will our lives look and be like if we can’t touch each other? Is this the end of high fives? What about grizzly bear (my personal favorite) and group hugs? What happens to the French greeting of two cheek kisses or the Swiss custom of a handshake and three cheek kisses? The thought of no hugs and kisses is a very sad one indeed.