French Urged to Stop Cheek-to-Cheek Kisses to Contain the Virus
People wear face masks in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, on Feb. 29.
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One of France’s dearest touchy-feely customs is running up against the coronavirus.
Health Minister Olivier Veran urged his compatriots to avoid greeting each other with a cheek-to-cheek embrace and a kiss or several — known as “la bise” in French — to avoid spreading the infection. He also renewed his official advice for people not to shake hands when they meet.