Nancy Pelosi’s Coronavirus Advice: ‘Bow in an Eastern Style’

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on Thursday advised people to embrace social distancing practices such as bowing “in an Eastern style” as opposed to shaking hands or bumping elbows.

“Somebody said to me when you elbow bump you get close to the person, so forget any physical contacts, greetings,” Pelosi told reporters at her Thursday news conference. “Bow in an Eastern style”:

Nancy Pelosi's coronavirus advice: "Forget any physical contact greetings. Bow in an Eastern style." pic.twitter.com/FmyeaFkgP2

— Matt Wolking (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@MattWolking) March 12, 2020

President Trump also weighed in on forgoing traditional handshakes during his meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

“We didn’t shake hands today,” Trump said. “We kind of looked at each other and we said what are we going to do. It’s sort of a weird feeling.”

“I just got back from India. And I didn’t shake any hands there and it was easy because they go like this,” he said, demonstrating a slight bow.

“And Japan goes like this,” he added with another slight bow.

“They were ahead of the curve,” he said to chuckles:

President Trump with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar :

"We didn't shake hands today. We looked at each other. We said, 'What are we going to do.' You know, it's sort of a weird feeling. We said it at the same time. We did this": pic.twitter.com/OTAfMVfNqk

— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) March 12, 2020

Trump outlined drastic measures to curb the impact of the Chinese coronavirus in the United States during a rare Oval Office address on Wednesday, announcing a suspension on all travel from the European Union for the next 30 days. It takes effect Friday at midnight.

“Each of us has a role to play in defeating this virus,” Trump told the nation. “Wash your hands, clean often-used surfaces, cover your face and mouth if you sneeze or cough, and most of all if you are sick or not feeling well, stay home.”