Elbow bumps are the new handshake, here's why
Social media is here for the elbow bump trend, and so are top health officials.
Elbows don't belong on the basketball court, but no one is calling a foul if they're being used for greetings in place of handshakes amid the COVID-19 health emergency.
As the novel coronavirus spreads around the globe -- along with expert resources and information on preventative measures -- more people are coming up with creative ways to avoid unnecessary touching.
And so far, elbow bumps seem to be catching on as the go-to greeting.
Everyone from high-powered political leaders and health officials to professional athletes have taken on the tactic to safely say hello without making too much contact.
Vice President Mike Pence, who was appointed by the Trump administration to take the lead on the U.S. response to the coronavirus outbreak, set a good example of the growing trend as he arrived in Washington state to meet with Gov. Jay Inslee.
Dr. Dena Grayson, a physician and biochemist who studies pandemic threats, told ABC News she's a huge proponent of the inventive introductions.
"There's so many videos circulating all over the world of people doing the foot taps and elbow bumps and I think it's fantastic," she said. "I think elbow bumps are a great alternative to handshakes because you really can't do that right now."
While there has been some levity around the cultural shift, Grayson said it's still raising awareness for folks to practice smart, healthy habits.
"It's OK to make a joke out of it, but it serves as a good public health reminder to everyone to wash your hands avoid touching public objects with your fingers, and don't touch your face or shake hands," she explained.
Best elbow bumps on social media
Pro athletes bumping 'bows
The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team exchanged elbows with England instead of hand shakes during the first match of the 2020 She Believes Cup.
Rather than high-fives, the San Diego Padres practiced the elbow bump in the dugout during a spring training game in Arizona on Thursday.
OK this one may be just a nod to NHL star Jake Muzzin's fly-by elbow-five celebration, but the joke still landed with some on Twitter, and as Grayson said, it can't hurt to boast the move.