France is now in danger of losing its most cherished greeting, “la bise.” We saw it all the time. It’s that double cheek kiss that French people bestow on nearly everyone they meet. Sometimes it’s three or four kisses on alternating cheeks on men and women. French President Emmanuel Macron showed no hesitation when he planted “la bise” on the cheeks of President Donald Trump.

COVID-19 may be the eventual killer of this wonderful French greeting.