Lawmakers Advised to Halt Physical Touch, Use 'Star Trek' Greeting

Lawmakers have been advised to stop touching during physical greetings in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus, reports CNN.

Instead, a physician at a closed-door meeting of the House Democratic caucus on Wednesday morning lightheartedly suggested they use the “live long and prosper sign” that Spock famously used in the Star Trek films.

The meeting also covered the capacity to work remotely if necessary. The attending physician also suggested quarantining if there was a lengthy meeting or close contact with someone who contracts the virus.

House Democratic caucus chairman Hakeem Jeffries, when asked about Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas – said the Republican lawmaker should self-quarantine as he may have been exposed to the virus at CPAC.

Jeffries also outlined steps all Americans should take.

"Aggressively wash your hands, multiple times a day, for at least 20 seconds. When hand washing is not available, use hand sanitizer," the New York Democrat said.

"We are emphasizing to everyone that it is important if you are feeling ill, or as a general practice, to maximize social distancing and minimize unnecessary social contact so as to mitigate collectively transmitting the virus," he said.

Seven lawmakers on Capitol Hill have taken steps to self-quarantine or otherwise isolate themselves as a precaution after coming into contact with an infected individual.

• After It's Spread, Trump Starts Taking Coronavirus Seriously
• Economists Start Forecasting Negative U.S. GDP Numbers on Coronavirus