Miss Manners: I coughed in public. How profusely must I apologize?

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had a quick cough, just a tickle. Do I have to apologize to the people around me? I didn’t do it intentionally. Same with a sneeze. I could maybe give an “excuse me,” but I’ve heard people say, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I apologize!”

GENTLE READER: The preferred statement is now, “It’s not COVID.”

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

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