ANKARA (AA) – As coronavirus alters social interaction worldwide, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) banned Wednesday handshakes among players in between matches to steer clear of any illnesses.
It has, instead, urged them to use sign language or resort to alternatives such as high-fives or fist-bumps, The Star Kenya newspaper reported.
The TFF has justified its decision, saying it was based on an advice from the country’s Health Ministry to help fight the spread of the virus that has so far claimed 3,198 lives, and infected 93,094 in 77 countries worldwide.
On Tuesday, the country's president, John Magufuli, appeared in footages avoiding handshakes with guests at the State House, his official residence. He, as an alternative, received a government colleague with a 'foot-shake'.
A handshake, studies say, transfers twice the amount of bacteria compared to other quicker exchanges.
As part of basic measures against COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised the public to “regularly and thoroughly clean” their hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
After declaring the outbreak an international health emergency, the WHO raised the global risk assessment to "very high".
Meanwhile, governments have closed their borders and suspended land and air travel with the worst-affected countries such as China, Italy and Iran.
