Businesses, schools, health authorities and government departments have all outlawed “la bise” in the belief it can spread the killer disease in seconds.

Social kissing has always been popular in France with male and female colleagues alike greeting each other with a peck on each cheek every day at work.

Teenagers kiss when they meet at school and the pavement cafes of every town and city are littered with people exchanging kisses at all hours of the day and night.

France’s health ministry is urging everyone to avoid the popular ritual while experts also recommend citizens to avoid other kinds of direct contact, including shaking hands.

Officials are recommending that people should keep a “three-foot buffer zone” between themselves and others or wear a face mask.

Paris company director Guy Girard said: “It will take some getting used to, as French people kiss each other on both cheeks all the time usually.