A kiss has never felt so dangerous as it does in this pandemic.

Perhaps that is why it is universally the sign of intimacy. In a time of contagion, where disease is spread through droplet infection, breathing the same breath, touching each other’s lips is to expose oneself to risk. It can only be done with a family member or someone you trust as you would a family member.

The lack of physical contact that so many of us are experiencing during lock down can have a profound effect on our mental health. Touch is one of our most important senses – even more than hearing or sight it enables us to handle (both literally and figuratively) everything this world throws at us.

Traditionally Brits are not “touchy-feely” people. It is said we do not have the same “Latin temperament” as many other cultures. But here in The Borough of Cultures we have so many traditions, that we are used to much greater physical contact. There is the long handshake that does not let go until half way through the conversation – try doing that in Yorkshire! There is the linking of arms as young girls walk down the street; the ritualistic series of hand holds and grabs that young men use to greet each other as one of their own; there is the shoulder bump, the back slap the hand slap, the Indian Namaste – touching palms with oneself – (that’s definitely the safest!). But all of these ways in which we interact with our friends and fellow citizens are about touch. It is what helps us feel connected, helps us feel part of one community -- one society. And when it is absent we feel uncomfortable, disconnected, isolated and lost.

Psychologists use the term “skin hunger” to express the need we have for physical human contact. Many people will be feeling that now. Yet social distancing – not touching – is now the supreme mark of someone who cares for others and sees themselves as part of society. During this epidemic, social distancing is precisely what shows we are connected to one another. We show how much we love our elderly grandparents by not visiting them, because they need shielded from the virus. We keep our distance from our friends and neighbours to show how much we need and respect them. How we want them to be well.

Kindness and caring can be expressed in so many ways. And we need kindness towards each other more than ever in this period of extraordinary grief and challenge. So with those living in our household we should show them we care by the hugs we can share as a family. With those outside we must for now show our care by keeping apart.