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It''s a ubiquitous French tradition, as
familiar as a baguette or an espresso at the neighborhood cafe. And now,
according to the Associated Press, the cheek-to-cheek peck that the French use
to say hello or goodbye, "la bise," has come under pressure from a
globalized threat: swine flu. Some French schools, companies and a Health
Ministry hotline are telling students and employees to avoid the social ritual
out of fear the pandemic could make it the kiss of death, or at least illness, as winter
approaches. Across France, authorities and school
officials are taking few chances — while trying to avoid stirring panic when
the academic year started last week. In recent months, a few schools in France have been temporarily shut after
cases of swine flu emerged. For kids in two schools in the town of Guilvinec,
in France''s western Brittany region, the first lesson of the year came from
local officials: no more cheek kisses to teachers or other students. Many in
France see a threat to cherished customs. The national government isn''t calling
for a ban. But the Health Ministry, on its swine flu phone hotline, recommends
that people avoid "close contact — including shaking
hands and giving the bise.” A ministry Web site on the pandemic recommends avoiding "direct contact"
with people, "not kissing, shaking hands or caressing the face" of
others — especially sick people.
