How to Hug Safely as Covid Restrictions Ease

The next step out of lockdown begins in the UK today as indoor venues open and people are allowed to hug each other again. However, the Prime Minister warns people to use caution and make their own informed decision on hugging. Here is our guide on how to hug safely.

This will be the first time in months that people from different households in Scotland and England will be able to hug each other. Relaxing social distancing rules between family and friends is great news as hugging is beneficial in lowering stress and blood pressure. People will be happier that they can be in close contact with loved ones again.

From today, people can eat or drink indoors, travel abroad, hug people outside their households, visit a cinema, and meet indoors in groups of six. The success of the vaccination programme and perseverance of people following the rules allows the continuation of easing restrictions. But the government urge people to be cautious and consider the risks. Hugging is a direct way of transmitting the virus, and we need to stay aware of the rise in the Indian Covid variant. If we are not careful it could pose a threat to the end of all limits on 21 June.

Here is some advice and tips from coronavirus experts on how to hug safely.

1. Be selective

Choose who you want to prioritise when it comes to hugging, and try to restrict the number of people. Only hug those that would really gain value from it, and maybe just a small select number of close family. Don’t hug everybody every time you meet, and be very cautious about hugging strangers. Stick to close family members as there is less risk.

Take extra care with elderly relatives and those vulnerable to Covid, especially if either of you is not vaccinated.

2. Make it quick

The length of time spent in close contact with someone makes a difference, so make hugs brief.

Don’t hug too frequently or for too long. The longer the period of close contact, the higher the risk of transmission. But remember, there is no fully safe length of time, all contact comes with risks, even brief periods can spread Covid.

3. Avoid face to face

Avoid coming face to face if you can. Perhaps turn your face away slightly, or even wear a mask.

The virus is transported through people’s breath, so when you hug you will be very close to it at that moment. This is why turning your head or covering your nose and mouth could help. It is important you continue to ensure good hand hygiene too, as the disease can be spread by touching.

4. Do it outdoors

The risks from Covid are lower outside, so close contact such as hugging, is safer done outdoors.

If you do meet inside, make sure the space is well ventilated. Open windows and doors, and allow plenty of fresh air to circulate. This will help any airborne virus to be removed from the room quicker, and taken outside.

5. Get tested

Before coming into close contact with anybody, you should get yourself tested to check you are safe from passing the virus on to them.

Tests are available for free, and you should take one regularly even if you don’t have symptoms. About one in three people with coronavirus do not have any symptoms, so end up spreading the virus without even knowing it. Taking a regular test makes you better informed about the risk you present to others.

Thank you for reading How to Hug Safely as Covid Restrictions Ease

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