Once upon a time, etiquette experts like Emily Post and advice columnists like Ann Landers blew through bottles of ink formulating rules to be observed when dining. Elaborate formulae governed placement of knives, forks, and spoons; determination of where guests should be seated; the proper way to pour wine; and, perhaps most important of all, not putting your elbows on the table.

Well, a whole new set of etiquette rules must be formulated in the age of COVID-19, though many of the old ones still apply. But the placement of a fork is no longer of such importance as, for example, how to stifle a cough or when to clean your hands. Not to be too dramatic, but such considerations can now be literally a matter of life or death. Never has etiquette — let’s call it “pandemiquette” — mattered so much.

Masks, Hand Sanitizers, and Serving Spoons

Tipping

Bad Weather

Table Manners