Swine Flu Precautions Continued

We have had certain mutterings that, now the initial wave of cases is receding, perhaps we should loosen the Swine Flu precautions - especially with respect to the Hand of Friendship within the ceremony of Pouring Out of Beakers.  With respect, I think not.

The Hand of Friendship has over the years become more informal, more - let me say - friendly.  And not always appropriate.  The Hand of Friendship became the Hug of Friendship.  OK, nothing to worry about there - although the ceremony took a little longer.  From here to the Quick Peck on the Cheek of Friendship was but a short step.  

If only we had stopped there.  But oh, no.  Next we had the Kissing Both Cheeks of Friendship - and by this summer we were straying into the Big Wet Kiss of Friendshipm, and some people were flirting - which is almost definitely the right word - with the Snog of Friendship.

It was time to stop, and this disease has given us the perfect opportunity to go back to First Base, as it were.  So until the pandemic has been declared over by all competent authorities (i.e. not the Government) - we are back to the Wave of Friendship, or the Slight Smile of Friendship.  With everyone remaining respectfully, and hygienically, in their places.