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Published 18:24 IST, March 3rd 2020

Germany's Angela Merkel denied handshake by minister over coronavirus dread, watch video

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel was recently denied a handshake at the meeting in Berlin on March 2 and approached her minister over coronavirus dread.

Reported by: Aanchal Nigam
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As the fears of deadly coronavirus increase with its spread to more than 60 countries with over 90,000 confirmed cases worldwide, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel was recently denied a handshake. As she arrived at the meeting in Berlin on March 2 and approached the Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany for a handshake, he snubbed her. However, Merkel took it in “good humour” and sat at her position. The brief reaction between both lawmakers has gone viral with many internet users saying “that was smart”. 

The minister who smiled and then refused to shake hands is Horst Seehofer and decided to keep his hands to himself as the easily spread virus has already infected at least 188 people in Germany. Merkel also reportedly said that what Seehofer did was the “right thing to do”. 

Netizens agree with Seehofer

While most netizens have agreed with the German lawmakers to avoid handshakes and touch as world battles the epidemic, others also offered the Indian way to greet, 'namaste'. One of the Twitter users also suggested “foot five”. In order to create awareness regarding the precautionary measures of the deadly coronavirus, most netizens wanted this to be the “usual practice”. 

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Updated 18:24 IST, March 3rd 2020

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