From handshakes to buffets, these 20 things could become obsolete after the coronavirus pandemic

Zoë EttingerMay 29, 2020, 00:39 IST

Shaking hands and eating at buffets may be things of the past.Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/Shutterstock

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing both individuals and organizations to rethink practices that could potentially spread disease.
In April, Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested that Americans should never shake hands again.
Regulations currently prohibit buffet-style restaurant service, and it remains unclear if it will return.

The coronavirus has impacted nearly every aspect of American life, and many changes are likely to continue far into the future.

Shaking hands, once a way to greet new friends or colleagues, may no longer be viewed as a safe practice, as it has the potential to spread bacteria from one person to another.

Similarly, buffets, in which hundreds of hands touch the same utensils over open food containers, now seem more like Petri dishes than a nice place to have dinner.

Take a look at all the things that might be obsolete after the coronavirus pandemic.

Read the original article on Insider

Dr. Anthony Fauci stated that shaking hands should be a thing of the past, as it helps "transmit a respiratory-borne illness."

Shaking hands. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The FDA recommended that buffets and salad bars be discontinued while the coronavirus remains a threat, and it is unclear when they will return.

A buffet. Shutterstock

Free samples at stores, like Costco, have been banned. It remains unclear when and if they will come back.

Free samples. Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Public touch screens can become hotbeds for bacteria when hundreds or thousands of hands use them each day.

Woman using a touch screen. Filippo Bacci/Getty Images

Many states have banned reusable grocery bags at grocery stores in an effort to keep essential workers safe.

Reusable grocery bags. McIninch/iStock

Though the coronavirus isn't believed to spread through food, experts recommend exercising caution when sharing food and drink.

Sharing a dessert. Shutterstock

Like handshakes, high-fives can also spread bacteria and viruses through physical contact, so they too could become a thing of the past.

LA Clippers players give each other a high five. USA Today Sports/Reuters

Lines in which many people crowd together while waiting aren't likely to come back any time soon.

Many people waiting in line. Francois Durand/Getty

When social distancing ends and people are allowed to get together for drinks, tapping your glasses to say "cheers" might be a thing of the past.

Cheers. iStock

Toll booths nationwide have banned cash and opted for touch-free, electronic payment methods.

Driver paying a toll. Monty Rakusen/Getty Images

Crowded concerts and mosh pits won't be allowed at any venues while the coronavirus remains a risk to public health.

A crowd at a concert. Shutterstock

Open-floor offices, in which workers sit in close proximity to one another, may not return even after mandated restrictions end.

Office workers. Alex Segre/Getty Images

Keychain store club tabs, which are often scanned by store personnel, are another potential way to spread disease.

A discount tab for Tops supermarket. Zoe Ettinger

Though platonic hugging and kissing are an important part of many cultures, they've become ways to spread disease.

Men hugging. FG Trade/Getty Images

The TSA has advised that travelers no longer put their phones, wallets, and keys in bins, and the change might be permanent.

Airport security. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Though pay phones were already on their way out, more are likely to become obsolete over safety concerns.

A phone booth. littlenySTOCK/Shutterstock

Experts say that water fountains are not safe to use as they put many people's noses and mouths over the same surface.

Don't put your mouth on that spout. iStock

A cashless society could become more likely after the pandemic.

Banknotes and coins. Liu Jie/Xinhua/Getty Images

The CDC recommended that doctors switch to telemedicine for routine and elective visits to preserve PPE.

Doctor's visit. Shutterstock

Business travel is likely to be greatly reduced amid safety concerns and the increase in virtual meetings.

Business travelers. iStock

A couple lives with their 3 children in a 300-square-foot tiny home that cost them $24,000 to build. Take a look inside.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website