The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised people to use contactless technology instead of cash as banknotes may be spreading Covid-19 virus.
The infectious COVID-19 virus could be carried on the surface of banknotes for several days. To stop the spread of the disease, people should use contactless payments where possible and wash their hands after handling cash, a WHO spokesman said.
The Bank of England also recognised that banknotes “can carry bacteria or viruses” and encouraged frequent hand washing. Last month onwards, banks in China and Korea began disinfecting and isolating used banknotes as part of efforts to stem the spread of the deadly virus.
Ultraviolet light or high temperature is being used to disinfect and sterilise banknotes, before the cash is sealed and stored for up to 14 days before being recirculated, China’s central bank said at a press conference.
Covid-19 virus can be spread through contaminated objects as well as droplets and direct contact with infected patients, the WHO said.
“We know that money changes hands frequently and can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses, We would advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes, and avoid touching their face” a spokesman told the Telegraph.
It is not yet known how long the Covid-19 virus can survive outside the human body.
It has been suggested that Covid-19 viruses can remain infectious on contaminated objects for as long as 9 days at room temperature in a studies of similar viruses, including SARS and MERS published online this month in the Journal of Hospital Infection.
However, common disinfectants can swiftly remove them, and they may also be destroyed by high temperatures, the authors wrote.
Peeps, please wash hand frequently and try to use contactless payment. Stay safe!
Source : Yahoo Finance