Toronto:
The mayor of Canada's Quebec province has banned handshakes amid efforts by the local authorities to combat the spread of swine flu, which has been linked to at least 66 deaths in the country.
Emile Loranger, the mayor of L'Ancienne-Lorette municipality, just outside Quebec City, is taking the threat from the spread of the H1N1 virus seriously and banning handshakes.
"On the campaign trail, you meet tonnes of people every day. By avoiding to shake hands, we want to protect the health of our citizens," said Loranger.
"We have to look beyond politics. It's not worth it to take risks when you know that kids are more vulnerable to the virus," Loranger was quoted as saying in the local media.
However, the Quebec public health authorities have described the measure as premature, the report said.
"We are closely monitoring the evolution of the virus and we think the best way to prevent infection is still to have good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly," said spokeswoman Dominique Breton.
They have recommended covering up coughs and sneezes with an arm, avoiding physical contact with anyone who might be sick and staying home if showing signs of the flu, the National Post reported.
With 12,000 voters, LAncienne-Lorette is one of 1,100 cities and towns in Quebec going to local elections at the start of the winter flu season.