In the blink of an eye, traditions like shaking hands with strangers, kissing on the cheek, and occasionally forgetting to wash one’s hands have been abandoned. In many cases, these changes might have impacts far beyond the pandemic. Global Press Journal: Mongolia sees a 55.5% drop in common intestinal infections among children. Respiratory illnesses are down, too. Officials and parents credit the increase in hand-washing, and hope habits instilled during crisis remain for life.