To prevent the spread of coronavirus in Italy, the government has decided to put a temporary stop to kisses and handshakes.

President of Italy’s higher health institute, Silvio Brusaferro announced that the traditional way of greeting in Italy which is by kissing on the cheek and hugging has been banned.

According to Silvio Brusaferro, the ban was to stop the spread of coronavirus from increasing. He also added that people should frequently wash their hands, avoid crowded places and keep distance of one to two metres from other people.

He further advised people with respiratory conditions to stay at home.

“We have to work for the country by staying within the rules and adopting lifestyles that halt the classic paths of transmission,” Silvio Brusaferro said.

It would be recalled that it was earlier reported that about 2,263 people have been infected with the COVID-19 disease in Italy with 107 deaths, making the European country the world’s third-most affected by number of fatalities after China and Iran.